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Crossroads Partners with the BGEA to Honor the Ministry of Billy Graham

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Crossroads Label Group joined together to create a musical tribute to Billy Graham and his historic Crusades. Click on the photo to watch the tribute, “Passing The Torch.”

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Historical musical tribute celebrates Billy Graham’s ministry

Arden, NC. (March 1, 2018) – At Rev. Billy Graham’s historic Crusades, Gospel music always paved the way for his message. In a moving video memorial titled “Passing the Torch,” The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (website here) and Crossroads Label Group (website here) pay tribute to Graham and the music that played a significant role in his ministry.

The music and video medley shows George Beverly Shea in Los Angeles in 1963, Ethel Waters in New York City in 1957 and Johnny Cash in Irving, Texas in 1971 singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” “Peace In the Valley” and “How Great Thou Art” before modern Gospel artists Michael W. Smith, Melinda Doolittle and Jason Crabb pick up and carry on the tunes.

The tribute debuted after Graham’s death February 21 to a live audience while a motorcade took his body from The Cove in Asheville, NC to The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC over the weekend. It signifies a passing of the torch from one generation to the next and stands as a reminder of the timeless nature of Graham’s ministry.

Dr.Billy Graham

“I believe as Billy Graham passed from this life to his eternal life, the Lord himself said “‘Well done my good and faithful servant!'” says Jason Crabb. “I was honored to sing at Billy’s final crusade in New York, and perform many times at his wonderful training center called The Cove . I was happy to be a part of this extraordinary tribute video.”

The video was produced several years ago as one of many memorial tributes to the evangelist that would be shown after his death. Crossroads produced the complex musical score while the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association produced the captivating video at the Blumenthal Theatre in Charlotte, NC.

It has now been viewed more than 2 million times.

“Being asked to produce this audio piece for the Graham organization, in conjunction with my wife Kimberly, was such an honor,” says Chris White, co-owner of Crossroads Label Group. “Session leader, Jeff Collins, along with our studio players and engineers, totally made the piece come to life. Being a part of this production, to honor the life of Dr. Graham, was certainly one of the greatest highlights of my career.”

Audio Credits:
Chris White, senior audio producer
Jeff Collins, recording session leader
Van Atkins, engineer
Kevin Ward, engineer
Video Credits:
The Billy Graham Evangelist Association, executive producer
Vonda Harrell, senior producer
Kevin Adamson, director
John Schroter, editor
Kim White, producer

About Crossroads:
Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music. View the Crossroad’s website here.

George Beverly Shea

Wikipedia -George Beverly Shea (February 1, 1909 – April 16, 2013) was a Canadian-born American[1] gospel singer and hymn composer. Shea was often described as “America’s beloved gospel singer”[2] and was considered “the first international singing ‘star’ of the gospel world,” as a consequence of his solos at Billy Graham Crusades and his exposure on radio, records and television. Because of the attendance at Graham’s Crusades, Shea has sung live before more people than anyone else in history.[3][4]

Listen to George Beverly Shea sing The Love of God:

Happy Sunday !

Guy Penrod Honors George Beverly Shea

A Note From Guy Penrod…

“Our world lost a wonderful hero in the person of George Beverly Shea, a real genuine example to us men as to how to walk with grace and integrity through this life. He was truly a hero of mine and a great role model. He will be dearly missed and I am sure that many of us wish“that we could pray him back, but why on earth would we do that when he’s somewhere life and love never ends.” Have a great time singing with the choir Bev. Join you someday—Guy.”

MICHAEL ENGLISH SOME PEOPLE CHANGE HITS STREETS MARCH 26

Nashville, Tenn. (March 22, 2013) – The wait is over! Acclaimed vocalist, Michael English, is set to release his new release, Some People Change, on March 26, 2013. The highly anticipated project is Michael’s first studio recording in six years and is being released by CURB Records.

Although this is his first solo recording in several years, the gifted singer has hardly been resting. Michael has kept an extremely busy touring and recording schedule as a member of the Grammy® award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

Michael’s penetrating, power-packed vocals are at the forefront on this new release as he is featured on brand new songs, “That Great Day,” “Waking Up The Dawn,” the current single “Stubborn,” time-tested classics such as “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” and a brand-new version of Michael’s hit song, “In Christ Alone.” A bonus track, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” is included from the film “The Last Ride,” about the life of Hank Williams.

You might hear a few familiar voices on some of the tunes. Russ Taff is featured on “Come To The River,” a cover of the pop classic, “I Knew You Were Waiting,” finds Crystal Lewis lending her vocals, The Martins bring their family harmony to “On That Great Day,” and Michael’s musical brothers – Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Wes Hampton – are featured on the Happy Goodmans’ tune, “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey Now.”

Some People Change features tunes from hit songwriters Neil Thrasher, Don Koch, Ben Hayslip, Jimmy Yeary, George Beverly Shea, Hank Williams, Jason Sellers, Jonny Lang, Jenny Lee Riddle, Rusty Goodman among others. “It all begins with a song,” says Michael. “I was blessed to get some of the best songs I’ve ever heard – some old and some new – on this CD! I had a blast singing the words of these writers.”

Masterfully produced by long-time friend, Jay DeMarcus, Michael knew Jay was the perfect fit for this recording. “No one knows my voice better than Jay,” Michael affirms. The two had previously worked together on Gospel (1998), and even a hint of Michael’s native North Carolina comes to the fore with subtle, yet distinct country flair.

Some People Change is currently available for pre-orders on MichaelEnglishMusic.com and all orders from the website will be autographed by Michael. Some People Change releases March 26 and will be available on iTunes, Amazon, all digital retailers as well as physical retail outlets such as Lifeway, Walmart and others.

GUY PENROD CELEBRATES #1 DEBUT WITH HYMNS

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Hymns, the sophomore Gaither Music Group/Servant Records recording from Guy Penrod, Christian music’s premier country recording artist, achieved chart-topping sales success following its release March 27.  Hymns was the top seller on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern Gospel retail chart; #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart; and entered The Billboard 200 at #85.  First-week sales of Hymns surpassed those of Penrod’s 2010 solo debut, Breathe Deep, which has gone on to sell more than 85,000 units.

Produced by Penrod and Pete Greene, Hymns showcases 13 of the award-winning artist’s favorite selections, including the debut single, “Does Jesus Care?,” a duet with the legendary George Beverly Shea.  The project also features “The Old Rugged Cross,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Count Your Blessings” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” among others.

Penrod’s 2010 Dove Award-nominated Gaither Music Group/Servant Records release, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and southern gospel radio singles.  A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year.  Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

Hymns is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.  The new recording is positioned heavily at retail and is being aired as part of a direct TV campaign on networks including GAC, RFD, GMC, TBN, FamilyNet, CTS, CTN, TCT, TLN, Airtime 1 and GMTN and in Canada on Grace, Legacy, Miracle and Vision.

For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com.

GUY PENROD SHOWCASES TIMELESS TRUTHS ON HYMNS

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Hymns, the highly-anticipated sophomore solo effort from Christian music’s premier country recording artist, Guy Penrod, is slated to bow March 27 from Gaither Music Group/Servant Records.  Produced by Penrod and Pete Green, Hymns showcases 13 of the award-winning artist’s favorite selections, including the debut single, “Does Jesus Care?,” a duet with the legendary George Beverly Shea.

Hymns includes “The Old Rugged Cross,” “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Count Your Blessings,” and “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms,” among other songs.

“I grew up with and love the hymns,” Penrod says.  “The vernacular has changed, but hymns address the human condition and give help, guidance and encouragement through truths that survive the test of time.  Hymns are an important part of our history as believers.”

Penrod’s 2010 Dove Award-nominated Gaither Music Group/Servant Records solo debut, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, having sold more than 75,000 units to date and featuring successful mainstream country and southern gospel radio singles.  A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year, along with numerous appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

Hymns, a Gaither Music Group/Servant Records release, is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and will be available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.  The new recording will be positioned heavily at retail and will be aired as part of a direct TV campaign on networks including GAC, RFD, GMC, TBN, FamilyNet, CTS, CTN, TCT, TLN, Airtime 1 and GMTN and in Canada on Grace, Legacy, Miracle and Vision.

For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com.

JEFF & SHERI EASTER Celebrate Two GMA DOVE Nominations for Expecting Good Things

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—GRAMMY® Award nominees and Gospel music mainstays JEFF & SHERI EASTER received

Karlene and George Beverly Shea and Jeff and Sheri Easter visit at this year’s GRAMMY® Nominee Reception held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Shea was honored by the GRAMMYS® with a lifetime achievement award at the event. The Easters were nominated at the awards show for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Expecting Good Things

two nominations for this year’s GMA DOVE Awards according to announcements made at a press conference this week held at the Fox Theatre’s Grand Salon in Atlanta, GA.

Following a 2010 DOVE Award win for Southern Gospel Song of the Year (“Born to Climb”), their project Expecting Good Things (Spring Hill Music) garnered two more DOVE nods this year including Country Album of the Year and Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year (“Workin’ on a Road”).

Jeff & Sheri just returned from Los Angeles where they celebrated their second lifetime GRAMMY® nomination, also for Expecting Good Things, a recording that features songs selected and recorded during Sheri’s battle with breast cancer. Sheri joined writers including Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Tony Wood and others to pen songs for the release that capture her journey and victory over this disease.

Expecting Good Things, available online and at retailers everywhere, is distributed by EMI CMG.

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday, April 20th. The awards show will be televised on GMC at 8:00p.m. ET/delayed PT on Easter Sunday, April 24th. GMC can be seen in 47 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Visit GMClife.com