Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Allison Speer Co-Writes Cut On New Ray Stevens album

Allison Speer And Ray Stevens

Nashville, TN – GRAMMY Award-winning musician Ray Stevens has recorded a song co-written by Gaither Homecoming artist, Allison Speer. “The Baptism Of Stumpy Brown,” originally released on Allison’s Whoo-Hoo, What A Ride! comedy DVD, was written with Cyrus “Buddy” Kalb, a staff writer for Ray Stevens Music. Kalb is a renowned songwriter best known for Ray Stevens hit, “Mississippi Squirrel Revival.”

Allison comments, “Having a song recorded by Mr. Stevens is a dream come true. As a kid, I remember listening to his music and memorizing all of the words. I’m thrilled by this news!” She added, “The song idea came about as I sat in a baptismal service and wondered about someone leaving more of his old man behind in the water than he intended. Buddy took the idea and ran with it!”

Ray Stevens will perform “The Baptism Of Stumpy Brown” on his new project, Here We Go Again, which will release on his Player label in mid-February, and will be distributed by Sony music.

Homecoming Sweetheart Lillie Knauls

Miss Lillie Knauls

I am asking God to use me this year, any way He wants to use me. I am a yielded vessel and am listening to His voice to give me new songs, new sermons and new places to minister.  I am excited and looking for great things in 2014.” (1)

In our ongoing effort to pay tribute to long time Gospel singers, allow me to introduce Ms. Lillie Knauls. This beautiful, never married, woman of God has been singing and preaching Jesus for over 35 years.  Miss Lillie (as she likes to be addressed) is a regular on the Gaither videos. If you are a viewer of the Gaither videos, Ms. Lillie is not hard to spot.  Her beautiful smile seems to illuminate those around her.  Ms. Lillie is also known for the many hats she wears. She is respectfully known as the hat lady.  The reason for these hats is not just for style as Ms. Lillie explains, “I grew up in the church and as a little girl I played the piano and tambourine and sang in the choir. The first Sunday of the month was Communion Day. All the women wore hats to the services.”

Being respectfully recognized as the hat lady has opened many doors for Ms. Lillie.  She has had countless opportunities to speak and sing at ladies breakfast and luncheon meetings. There is much more to Ms. Lillie Knauls than her hat ministry, which can be traced back to the ‘60’s, where she was a soloist for her home church in San Jose, California.

In 1969, she became part of the Edwin Hawkins Singers and traveled the world. The Edwin Hawkins Singers are perhaps best known for their arrangement of “Oh Happy Day.” “That was a great time in my life, being able to sing with that fabulous choir.  It opened so many doors for me, but since I had a full time job working at a telephone company, I did not have the time to work all the bookings that came my way, so in August of 1978, I resigned and a whole new world opened up to me!”

One of the first assignments from God to Ms. Lillie was to travel to Hawaii to work with a beach ministry that conducted a Sunday church service for the tourists.  Ms. Lillie says, “We ministered at the most beautiful church in the world!”  Hawaii has become Ms. Lillie’s most favorite place.

I had the good fortune to speak with Ms. Lillie on the phone, from her California home. During our conversation, I learned that Ms. Lillie has been a part of the Gaither videos for over 20 years! I asked her if she had any favorite moments from the videos and she replied, “Quite honestly, every moment I’m there is a favorite moment.  Just being with all those legends and singing the songs I grew up with that still move me.  I am so grateful for Bill and Gloria Gaither for blessing the world, with these videos.” Read more »

Singer/Songwriter/Musician Gordon Mote to Appear on Popular Syndicated Morning Radio Program The Rick & Bubba Show

Nashville, TN (November 14, 2013) –— Award-winning musician and talented singer/songwriter, Gordon Mote, is scheduled to appear on the popular syndicated radio program, The Rick & Bubba Show, Tuesday, November 19 at 8:00 am CST. Mote will perform his current single, “Faith Like That,” which is from his current new album, All Things New. Mote will also be making his third appearance on the highly rated morning show Coffee, Country, and Cody on WSM-AM, January 6, 2014. Mote will be the substitute host for Bill Cody and will be joined by the show’s producer, Charlie Mattos.

“Faith Like That” is starting to generate strong support from radio and Rob West, Program Director at WJVL/Janesville, WI, compares the song to a Randy Travis classic. “If you think back to when radio stepped out of the box and played ‘Three Wooden Crosses,’ ‘Faith Like That ‘ is one of those songs. Being a dad, the song has a powerful message without really pushing it. Christian music can work well with the Country format and this song fits!”

“Not knowing what to expect, I put Gordon’s song up against two very good independents and two major label cuts in my weekly playoff, and all I can say is Wow!,” exclaims Mike Thomas, Program Director, KWRE/KFAV, Warrenton, OH. “He smoked the competition and the requests haven’t stopped since. We often hear about immediate reaction records…this is the definition of an immediate reaction record. One of my listeners summed it up best when she said this and I quote…’this is what we need to hear more of on the radio with what’s going on in the world.’”

The project is wide-reaching through several genres of music that include Country, Christian and Southern Gospel. Music Row Magazine critic, Bob Oermann, honored Mote’s new album, All Things New by naming it Disc of the Day and saying in the review, His singing of the thrilling, inspiring, pile-driving title song of his new album will lift your heart, pierce your soul and dazzle your spirit. What an anthem. Play it again. Other strong reviews include; Soul-Audio.com, Gordon Mote is a profoundly talented artist, gifted with his ability to tickle the keys with the greatest of ease, a strong vocal, and a knack for crafting and choosing songs that fit him perfectly, and Absolutely Gospel says, Gordon Mote is one of the most inspiring and enjoyable solo artists in our industry. He sings and plays with such charisma and energy, that you can’t help but enjoy him. Other media outlets includeBillboard.com, Inside Music Row, CCM Magazine, World Christian Broadcasting, Homecoming Magazine, Beliefnet, Baptist Standard.

All Things New released in August of this year and Mote continues his heavy touring schedule in support of the new project by playing over 150 dates a year. For more information on Mote please visit online at www.gordonmote.com.

About Gordon Mote
An Alabama native, Mote was born blind but the handicap didn’t stop the creative talent in the young child as he started playing piano at 3-years-old without any professional training.  Soon afterwards, Gordon became one of the first blind students in the country to be mainstreamed into the public school system and later received a full scholarship to Jacksonville (AL) State University, before transferring to Nashville’s Belmont University and graduating with honors. Two days after graduation, Mote joined Lee Greenwood’s band, and eventually toured with such artists as Trisha Yearwood, Porter Wagoner, the Gaither Vocal Band, and Gaither Homecoming Tour.  Mote has grown into one of the most beloved and premiere session players in several genres of music and has played for Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Bob Seger, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Alison Krauss. Mote’s keyboard skills led him to being honored twice by the Academy of Country Music for Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year Awards, as well as two Music Row Magazine Instrumentalist of the Year Awards. Mote has released nine albums as an independent artist, with If You Could Hear What I See earning Mote his first Dove nomination in 2004.  Mote signed with New Haven Records in 2012 and All Things New is his second project for the label.

About New Haven Records
New Haven Records is a Nashville-based music corporation that includes label, publishing, and film companies. For more than two decades, they have focused on the uniquely American genres of Black Gospel, Southern Gospel, and Country & Bluegrass Gospel.New Haven’s product is distributed to the mainstream through SONY Distributio and to the Christian marketplace through Provident Music Distribution. For additional information, go to www.newhavenrecords.com

Larry Gatlin Teams with Ron Blackwood

Country Music Super Star Larry Gatlin has teamed up with his long-time friend, Ron Blackwood. Ron is scheduling all of Larry’s Gospel/Christian Country concerts and events. After many Country Mega, hits such as,”All the Gold in California,”  “Houston   (Means I’m One Day Closer to You),” and more, Larry Gatlin remains one of Bill Gaither’s most requested Artist on the popular Gaither Homecoming Video’s.

Here is your opportunity to reach a larger audience, going beyond the four walls of the church to make your next concert/event something extra-special. Larry performs Gospel music from the heart of someone who has had a profound personal experience with the Lord. It is no secret that he fought a battle with substance abuse, and through God’s grace and strength was able to overcome his addiction to live victoriously. He shares his testimony along with his amazing Gospel music.

Contact us today, we have only a few open dates left for this year. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers are coming your way.

Take a moment and  look at the new website www.blackwoodartist.com, you can email or call. One of the Blackwood Artist associates will be happy to answer your questions and schedule your exciting event with country sensation, Larry Gatlin!

FYI…. According to Larry Gatlin; “All the Gold is not in Calif, It is in Heaven!”

Larry Ford: Little Is Much When God Is In It

Larry Ford: Little Is Much When God Is In It
By Sandi Duncan Clark

One of the nicest, most gracious couples in Southern Gospel music is Larry and
Sherryl Ford. No matter where you meet this charismatic couple, they greet you with a
smile, a hug and a warm handshake. This IS Larry and Sherryl Ford. More than forty
years of marriage, six children and eight grandchildren, have melded this couple into a
ministry of faith and family that God has used all around the world.

Larry’s first performance was on the stage of his home church in Levelland,
Texas. Standing on a chair, singing “How Great Thou Art,” and accompanied by his
Mom at the piano, Larry began an illustrious music career. Larry credits his mother for
instilling in him and his brother, Bruce, a love for God and a love for music.

“Our musical training began at home and at church. We learned to sing shaped notes;
the old fashioned way to read music. Mom saw to it that we were also trained by an
Italian vocal coach, who began our formal, classical training” Larry stated. Later, Larry
attended Eastern New Mexico University on a music scholarship.

During those years, the family; Larry, his brother Bruce, along with his Mom and Dad,
would sing and his Mom would play piano. On Sunday mornings, they often sang for
their church’s live radio program before going to the morning service and singing. “More
importantly, my mom and dad modeled for us a life of faith and trusting God.” Larry
adds.

From that early beginning to some of the grandest stages all around the world, Larry
Ford has ministered and entertained thousands of people with his testimony and vibrant
tenor voice. Larry has appeared at many Gaither Homecoming events and on a number of
videos. As an ordained minister, former pastor and evangelist, he has shared the love of
God and the plan of salvation wherever he is called.

Read more »

Ed O’Neal Returns Tanned And Ready To Sing

Ed O’Neal recently returned from a vacation to Hawaii. While he was basking in the sun, the Dixie Melody Boys were out on the road as a trio and then joined by a special guest. “We are a quartet so we really missed Ed.” said Steven Cooper. Filling in was Gaither Homecoming artist and bass singer for Palmetto State, Mike Allen. “We were glad to have Mike with us. I think it was good for him to. He used Ed’s bunk and I caught him looking for any notes Ed had left him on singing bass. No, all kidding aside Mike did an incredible job. We were honored to have him. Thanks to Larry and Palmetto State for letting us borrow him. ” added Matt Felts.
While in Hawaii, Ed was a part of the wedding of Blake and Lindsey Bush. Lindsey’s parents are Jim and Mary Snyder, concert promotors in Marion, Illinois. Fans were glad to know that Ed would be coming back and not retiring. “In fifty years, I have only missed three weekends. It was a great time but I’m excited to be back. It did however make me think about a Hawaii tour.” laughed Ed O’Neal.

Jeff & Sheri Easter Record New Project

Grammy nominees Jeff & Sheri Easter return to the studio to work on a new CD.

The award-winning couple is working this week at Ocean Way studio in Nashville.
“We are so excited to be creating some new music,” Sheri said. “We are working with some of Nashville’s finest musicians.”
The couple is producing along with Greg Cole and for the first time their son Madison joins the production team.
Madison debuted as a co-producer for his sister Morgan Easter’s “Not Without Love” released last November.
Sheri said one of the coolest moments so far is recording a remake of one of her mother Polly’s tunes – Mahalia Jackson’s “Standing Here Wondering.” Polly performed with the legendary Hall of Fame members The Lewis Family of Lincolnton, Ga.
Jeff said he is adding several favorites of his to the new project including the old hymn “I Won’t Have To Worry Anymore” he plans to perform with his dad, James Easter of the North Carolina’s Easter Brothers.
The song is special to the both of them because it was playing as Jeff’s mama passed away last August, Sheri said.
“I will also be cutting a brand new tune by songwriters Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsay,” Jeff said. “These guys and Sheri previously wrote our songs ‘Hear My Heart’ and ‘Born To Climb.’”  Jeff said he plans to feature a new tune by Joseph Habedank of The Perrys.
Morgan said she will bring new life to one of her parent’s previous successes – “I Wonder If He Ever Cries.” 
Sheri and Madison co-wrote a new tune for the project – “I Know How It Feels To Survive.” 
Sheri said this song is especially poignant since she will soon be celebrating four years cancer free in July since her battle with breast cancer.
The project is expected for release later this year.
The group has won two Grammy nominations, six GMA Dove Awards, 15 Singing News Fan Awards, three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association honors, 16 Voice Awards, four Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards, five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards and three Cash Box Awards.Among their best known hits are “Thread of Hope,” “Roses Will Bloom Again,” “Speak to the Mountain”  “Praise His Name,” and “Born to Climb.” They are regulars of the Gaither Homecoming video series and tours, sharing their music on over 15 million videos sold.Their latest CD “ Silver Anniversary” from SpringHill Records, available from iTunes and retail stores, honors their 25 years of marriage, music and love.
For more information, visit www.jeffandsherieaster.com.

Picture: Jeff & Sheri Easter pause with studio musicians working with them at Ocean Way studio in Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 22. From left, Ricky Cobble, Duncan Mullins, Scott Williamson, Sheri, Mike Johnson, Greg Cole, Jeff, Brent Mason, Cody Kilby, Stuart Duncan, Michael Rojas, and Madison Easter.

Larry Ford Presents “Freedom Still Rings”

Larry Ford, Tom Sterbens & the New Hope Worship Team and Choir will present a concert to commemorate the 10th anniversary of  September 11, 20011.   A concert entitled, Freedom Still Rings, will be presented at New Hope Church, 2450 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Kodak, TN.  

Larry Ford, a Grammy award winning tenor and Gaither Homecoming soloist, will sing the National Anthem, We Are America and other inspirational songs. Tom Sterbens, singer, songwriter and pastor of New Hope Church, will also be featured singing the song he wrote immediately after the events of September 11, 2001 ~ Freedom Still Rings.
 
Special guests include Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals, representatives from Sevier County’s Fire Departments, Police Department, and U. S. military veterans.Please come and help us thank those who serve and care for our county all year long. They deserve the thanks.

Award Winning Singer and Author Ann Downing at Rock Pointe Church August 14

{Nashville, TN Aug 9, 2011}) Ann Downing, a popular soloist on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series, will appear at Rock Pointe Church on Sunday, August 14 at 10:00 AM.

Celebrating world-wide broadcast success, including the number one spot on Billboard Magazine’s chart for video sales (surpassing all other categories and genres of music), Ann has been included in almost all video tapings since their original success in 1991. “Reunion”, the second video released, is dedicated to the memory of Paul Downing who appears on the video but passed away unexpectedly prior to the release date.

Her career as a successful Christian recording artist has taken Ann from childhood on the family cotton farm in rural Mississippi to many of the nation’s largest venues including Carnegie Hall, the Crystal Cathedral, and the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville. Ann Downing Ministries is also home to the Ms. Lillie Project, a service ministry to nursing homes, the goal of which is to provide televisions, DVD players, and Gaither Homecoming Videos to facilities across the country. In addition, Ann Downing Ministries also helps to host Ann’s Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat (MTWR). MTWR is an annual event held in the Nashville area each spring and is open to women regardless of age or denominational ties.

For more information regarding Ann’s appearance, please contact 706-935-4903. Please direct other requests or nursing home suggestions to Ann Downing Ministries.

Rock Pointe Church is located at 1278 Cross Street, Fort Ogltethorpe, GA 30742.  For directions to the church, visit http://heismyrock.com/.

An Evening with The Isaacs

In less than three weeks on Friday, August 12, The Isaacs will be in town bringing their smooth family harmonies and talented playing to the GlennMark stage at Second Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC. This multi-talented family has won numerous awards and appears regularly on Gaither videos and in concert with the Gaither Homecoming friends.You will not want to miss this opportunity to see this special group up close and personal.

General admission tickets are now available in all of our ticket outlets. You can get yours in Lancaster at Cooper Furniture, Mahaffey-Wilson Funeral Home and Nichols Hess & Associates; in Rock Hill at The Shepherds Fold and in Monroe, NC at Maranatha Christian Bookmart. Sorry but Artist Circle tickets are sold out. You can also buy your tickets online by visiting our website www.GlennMarkPromotions.com  or by placing a phone order at 803-283-9988. General Admission tickets are $15.00 in advance or $18.00 at the door. Groups of 10 or more may receive discount pricing by calling 803-283-9988. No group tickets will be sold at the door.

The doors open at 6:00 and the singing starts at 7:00.  King’s Cause will also be singing. The location is Second Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC. The address is 1426 Great Falls Highway.

Tickets are also available online for The Inspirations and The McKameys together on November 4. Get your tickets today.