Greater Vision Releases Special Album Commemorating Its 30th Anniversary
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on January 4, 2021 – 1:00 pm -NASHVILLE, TN — Daywind Records is honored to release a very special album commemorating 30 years of Greater Vision’s ministry. The Journey features Chris Allman, Rodney Griffin, Jon Epley, and Gerald Wolfe on 8 re-imagined versions of Greater Vision classics, including “My Name is Lazarus,” “Just One More Soul,” “I Could Never Praise Him Enough,” It Pays to Pray,” “Faces,” “With All the Many Miracles,” and more, along with 5 brand new songs. “The re-recorded versions are updated and refreshed from the original recordings of these hit songs.” says Gerald Wolfe, “The album kicks off with an elaborate fanfare and features completely new orchestrations and arrangements on each classic with vocals styled by the group’s current singers.”
Many of the new songs were written by Greater Vision’s resident songwriters Chris Allman and perennial Singing News Fan Award Songwriter of the Year, Rodney Griffin. Newcomer Jon Epley has his very first writing credit on the album, as well. Produced by Trey Ivey and Gerald Wolfe, this album is a fitting tribute to an amazing 30-year career. Greater Vision fans must not miss this recording!
“I love Greater Vision and the heart-music they make,” says Dusty Wells, Director of Artist and Label Services for Daywind Records. “Great songs never die, and this project is a fresh reminder of how great their music is. Gerald, Rodney, Chris and Jon have a passion for ministry and sharing Jesus. We at Daywind are thrilled to play a small part in helping get that message out. Be on the lookout for special events throughout 2021 celebrating Greater Vision’s 30 years!”
Tags: Greater Vision, Southern Gospel News
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UPDATED!! NQC Spring Break To Be Held April 23 & 24, 2020
Written by Staff on March 25, 2020 – 7:48 am -
NQC – The National Quartet Convention

A packed house at 2019’s NQC Spring Break in Sevierville, TN. Photo by Chip Woods
Tags: Christian Music, gospel music, Greater Vision, hoppers, Jim & Melissa Brady, Joseph Habedank, Kingdom Heirs, mark trammell quartet, national Quartet Convention, nqc, Primitive Quartet, Sevierville, Southern Gospel Music, Spring Break, Tennessee, triumphant quartet
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HOPE SINGS Introduced by Godsey Media Management
Written by Staff on March 19, 2020 – 6:07 pm -
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Thursday, March 19, 2020) – Godsey Media Management is proud to present a chance for all of us – fans and artists alike – to come together and unite while practicing social distancing. Thousands of concerts have been postponed for Christian artists and we don’t want you to miss a moment of the music. Godsey Media Management is set to present a new online concert series, “HOPE SINGS,” featuring your favorite artists live in concert from our TV studio in Nashville, Tennessee, directly to you, wherever you are.


Greater Vision
The initial schedule of concerts will feature Greater Vision, Ivan Parker, Legacy Five, Perrys, Gold City, Brian Free and Assurance, 11thHour, Aaron Wilburn and friends, Jim and Melissa Brady, Tribute, Freemans, Nelons, Jeff Stice, LeFevre Quartet, The Old Paths, and more to be announced.
Tags: 11thHour, Aaron Wilburn and friends, brian free and assurance, Freemans, Godsey Media Management, gold city, gospel music, Greater Vision, Hope Sings, ivan parker, Jeff Stice, Jim and Melissa Brady, lefevre quartet, legacy five, nelons, Perrys, Southern Gospel Music, The Old Paths, Tribute
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Beyond the Song with Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision
Written by Staff on February 8, 2020 – 2:44 pm -
Beyond the Song with Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision
For this edition of Beyond the Song, I caught up with Rodney Griffin and talked about his writing career. Rodney has been selected as “Best Songwriter” many times, by many award programs.
Jantina Baksteen: What was your first song that you wrote? At what age?
Rodney Griffin: It was a non-recorded song, not very good: “When Will We Care,” written in 1989 at 23 years old.
JB: When did you feel the calling to be a songwriter?
RG:1989, I was working at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. Song ideas would come to me during the day and I would write them down during lunch break.
JB: Is there a song you wish you had written?
RG: Oh yes, several…but I really don’t think about that. I’m just grateful for the ones God has allowed me to write. Anytime I hear a congregation sing a hymn, I think about how meaningful that would be to those songwriters if they were still living.

Rodney Griffin
JB: Which song, of all you have written, do you think has the most important message for people to hear?
RG: I wrote “Faces” to encourage those who never get credit for their Christian work while here on earth. What I didn’t know is how many people would come to me and tell me that the song put them under conviction for not doing enough for the Lord. That is the most important message I could write about…encouraging people to witness for the Lord.
JB: What works for you, writing the lyrics first or the melody first, or both at the same time?
RG: The initial idea usually lends itself to a musical meter..fast or slow. Then, I work them both at the same time until I feel the song is the best it can be. The best advice for young writers is to concentrate more on the structure of great songs that have stood the test of time, over studying your songs. Ask yourself: ”Why is this song great and why do people love singing this song?” I usually find that it’s a simple, but profound, lyric that sings well. Those are the songs that seem to stick.
JB: Who do you wish you had written a song with that is no longer here?
RG: I would love to have had the chance to have written with Dottie Rambo…unbelievably gifted writer, for sure!
JB: What’s your favorite song you have written?
RG: I used to say “The Spirit Of Brokenness,“ because of its message of humility, but these days, I say “Faces” is my favorite. Seems it’s being used by a special “pastor appreciation” or “missionary appreciation” service every week somewhere. I believe it will be around for a long time.

Greater Vision
JB: What is the fastest you wrote an entire song?
RG: I remember my first cut was with the Dixie Melody Boys, “I Have A New Song To Sing,” back when I sang with them in 1992. I wrote that song in my pickup truck in about 10 minutes. When you hear the song, it’s obvious (as it is) really simple.
JB: Do others ask you for advice for songs they have written?
RG: Always. Yes, I receive songs every week from songwriters who are asking for advice. I’m honored and certainly don’t feel like the “go to” writer or anything like that. I’m just like them, trying to hone my craft and be the best I’m capable of.
JB: What if you were were not able to be a singer or a songwriter, what would you have done?
RG: My degree is in Biology with a lot of horticulture classes. I enjoy landscape design and installation as well as forestry. I guess that’s why I enjoy four-wheeling through the woods when I get a chance to on a day off.
Thank you, Rodney, for your time sharing your gift to the readers of SGNScoops. Your songs will touch many ‘Faces’ you might never meet.
Tags: Beyond the Song, gospel music, Greater Vision, Rodney Griffin, Southern Gospel Music
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Beyond the Song: Greater Vision sings “You’ve Arrived”
Written by Staff on December 1, 2019 – 10:30 am -Beyond the Song: Greater Vision sings “You’ve Arrived,” interview by Jantina Baksteen
I caught up with Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision for this interview for Beyond The Song.
Group members of Greater Vision include: Gerald Wolfe, Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman, and Jon Epley.
Jantina Baksteen: December of this year, you celebrate 29 years of Greater Vision! What was your greater vision when the group was formed in 1990?
Gerald Wolfe: I wouldn’t say we had some sort of epiphany, but I would say we had a strong desire to put a group together that would focus on strong lyrics that would convey a clear message, good arrangements that would be interesting to listen to, and that would convey the message of the lyric to the listener. We also wanted to have a group that would compliment a church service, as well as be entertaining enough to be effective on a concert platform. Looking back, it’s easy to see how the Lord guided those early steps that set us on the right course.
JB: To me, you are my Southern gospel music hero. What exactly is your definition of Southern gospel music?
GW: Thank you so much! You’re very kind. Your question is one I’ve been seriously asking for a couple of years now. I was listening to gospel music, and going to concerts, before “Southern Gospel” existed, as a term or genre label. To me, what we do has always been “Gospel Music.” If an unchurched person asks me what I do, I tell them I’m involved in Christian music. Usually, they will have some sort of concept about what that is, but I’m not certain “Southern Gospel” has ever been an effective term to describe the kind of music we do, to someone who has never been exposed to it. These days, our genre of music encompasses such a wide variety of musical styles, I’m really not sure “Southern Gospel” is an adequately descriptive term anymore, even among people who might have an idea of what they think it is. The definition seems to depend on the personal tastes of the person describing it. So… the short answer to your question is, I don’t really know what Southern Gospel is. I just know what I like, personally, and I call it Gospel.
JB: How would you describe the music Greater Vision is singing now?
GW: I’ve always called it “Gospel Music,” “Christian Music,” or “Church Music.” Overall, our basic style and sound hasn’t changed over the last 29 years. However, we’ve never been afraid to stretch and challenge ourselves, musically. So, in that respect, we do a lot of different varieties of musical styles, within the confines of keeping the “Greater Vision sound” we’ve become known for, and that our listeners expect. People will usually go with you on a little musical journey, as long as you bring them back “home.”
JB: You had to step down from singing and Jon Epley has taken your position. Has this changed the dynamic?
GW: I actually think bringing Jon onboard has actually broadened our dynamic, and allowed us to do some things we hadn’t been able to do before, especially in our concerts. Jon’s voice is easy to blend with, and he has a great ear, so he quickly adapted to our sound; and on recordings, most people can’t tell the difference between the old Greater Vision, and the new GV. He’s been a great addition.
JB: Do you miss singing? If the crowd asks you, will you step up and sing?
GW: I can’t say I miss singing, since I still do sing when I feel good, or when someone makes a special request for something I can still do.
JB: I enjoy the radio release of the same titled album, “You’ve Arrived.” How did this song come together?
GW: “You’ve Arrived” was sent to us by Rick Shelton, at Daywind Publishing. It was written by Kenna Turner West, Sue Smith, and Marcia Henry. The first time we heard it, we knew it would make a great opener for the album, but a couple of lines needed to be changed to make it work. The writers graciously agreed to make the changes we suggested, and now we sing it every time we walk onto the platform.
JB: Who orchestrates your music since your long-time friend is home with the Greatest Orchestrator?
GW: Since my long-time friend, Lari Goss, passed away, we’ve worked with two young arrangers: Trey Ivey and Cody McVey, and well-known arranger, Steve Mauldin. It’s been an interesting journey, having worked with Lari for so long. I first worked with him in the studio in 1981, and there are still days I cry when I listen to some of beautiful work he did for so long. He was a friend and a hero, and there’ll never be another Lari Goss. Thankfully, The Lord is still raising up gifted people to help create arrangements that will lift the songs from paper and deliver them to the heart of the listener. On our new CD, Trey Ivey did all the arrangements.
JB: Even before summer time starts, you start talking about Christmas. For you, what makes the best Christmas?
GW: There’s nothing better than listening to Christmas music when it’s 90F degrees outside! For me, there’s never a wrong time to talk about Christmas. Since we call it “the most wonderful time of the year,” why should we limit it to four weeks, between Thanksgiving and December 25? I prefer having “the most wonderful time of the year” all year long! Seriously, when we think about the real gift of Christmas, and what it really meant for God to come to earth as a baby, we should be overwhelmed, whether it’s in July, September, December, or February. So, the best Christmas for me, is whenever I think about it! Merry CHRISTmas!
JB: Who has the most jokes /funny stories when you are on the road?
GW: I’d say it’s a close tie. When we get on the bus for a trip, everybody usually has at least one funny story about something that happened while we were at home. Anybody who’s traveled with us for a weekend will tell you the laughs start when we get up in the morning, and usually continue until the last light is turned out at night.
JB: I know you like to drive. Do you make the most miles behind the wheel?
GW: All of us share the driving responsibilities on the road. Everybody on the bus has a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and we have to remain in compliance with current DOT regulations for buses. We drive 250-mile shifts, and driving is something I really enjoy, unless I happen to end up with the 2:00 p.m. ’til 6:00 am shift, when we have an all-night drive on the schedule. I don’t think anyone enjoys that!
JB: What is your favorite quote to share?
GW: I love good quotes. One of my favorite is, “Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him.” (Dr. Charles Stanley).
JB: Thank you, Gerald, for giving us a little insight into Greater Vision. May God continue to bless your ministry, that wherever the bus stops to share your music, the words sung and the words spoken won’t return empty.
Please enjoy this video preview of Greater Vision singing the songs from “You’ve Arrived!”
Read more Gospel Music News in the latest SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE.
Tags: Beyond the Song, Chris Allman, Christian Music, Gerald Wolfe, gospel music, Greater Vision, Jon Epley, Rodney Griffin, Southern Gospel Music
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Bill Bailey’s 2020 Winter Gospel Music Convention
Written by Staff on November 24, 2019 – 11:25 am -

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
This event is recognized as the largest southern gospel concert event in the nation during the winter. This year’s event also marks Bill Bailey’s 34th anniversary promoting southern gospel concerts throughout the United States.
Josh & Ashley Franks
Ivan Parker, Tribute Quartet, Talleys
Read more Gospel Music News in the latest SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE.
Tags: 2020 Winter Gospel Music Convention, Bill Bailey, booth brothers, Christian Music, Gatlin Brothers, gold city, gospel music, Greater Vision, hoppers, Inspirations, Isaacs, Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck & New River, Kingsmen, legacy five, LYNDA RANDLE, Perrys, Southern Gospel Music, triumphant quartet
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IMC CONCERTS ANNOUNCES GOSPEL MUSIC CELEBRATION CRUISE SAILING TO CANADA & NEW ENGLAND IN 2020
Written by Staff on September 5, 2019 – 8:21 pm -Tags: Gospel music cruise, Greater Vision, INC Concerts, legacy five, the booth brothers, The Collingsworth Family, triumphant quartet
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IMC CONCERTS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR PRAISEFEST BRANSON FALL RETREAT
Written by Staff on August 6, 2019 – 10:19 am -
IMC CONCERTS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR PRAISEFEST BRANSON FALL RETREAT
Johnson City, Tennessee – Prominent concert promotions company, IMC has announced plans to present a new Praisefest event in Branson, MO, in the fall of 2020. Eight years ago the successful promotions team conceived the idea of presenting an exciting weekend of Gospel music in the Ozark Mountains town of Branson, Missouri, a city that is famously known for its diverse entertainment theaters. That first year the event took place at the state-of-the-art Mansion Theatre.

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Tags: branson, Brian Free & Assurance, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank, Missouri, Praisefest Branson Fall Retreat, The Ball Brothers, The Erwins, The Hoppers, the isaacs, the nelons, the perrys, The Triumphant Quartet, The Whisnants
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The Torchmen celebrate 50 years with guests, Greater Vision
Written by Staff on July 6, 2019 – 7:03 am -The Torchmen Quartet from Ontario, Canada, are celebrating 50 years in gospel music this year. Over the years they have made many friends and fans. Among these are gospel music artists, Greater Vision.

Greater Vision
Greater Vision will be appearing with the Torchmen Quartet on Sunday September 8th, 2019, for the Torchmen’s 50th Anniversary celebration concert.

Torchmen appeared recently at NQC.Photo by Paul Marker
This event will be held at Glenridge Bible Chapel, St. Catharines, Ontario, at 6:30 pm. The concert is free. An offering will be received during the evening.
Everyone is invited to help the Torchmen celebrate this incredible achievement. This event is being held as part of the Henley Christian Music Festival concert series.
For more information and directions go HERE.
About the Torchmen:
For 50 years the Torchmen have been celebrated as Canada’s Gospel Quartet. Members include Mike Moran, Jon Hisey, Sandy McGregor, and Jeff Tritton. They regularly travel across Canada and the United States, and have many awards and accolades to their credit. To visit them online go here.
About Greater Vision:
This male trio, consisting of Gerald Wolfe, Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman, and Jon Epley, is the most awarded trio in the United States. From Morristown, Tenn., Greater Vision was formed in 1990 and continues to perform over 160 concerts every year across America, Canada, and abroad. For more information go HERE.
More About the Henley Christian Music Festival:
The Henley Christian Music Festival is a ministry of GBC, and is a year-round festival that brings the best in Southern Gospel music, and various genres of music to St. Catharines. The feature event is the Summer Series. This event runs from the last Sunday is June to the first Sunday in September and features a concert every Sunday night. We will be serving BBQ at 5:30 on each night as well. Every concert throughout the year starts at 6:30pm. There is no admission fee or tickets required for every event. A free will offering is accepted. (From henleycmf.ca, July 6, 2019) For more information go HERE.
Read the June SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE
Tags: Christian Music, gospel music, Greater Vision, Henley Christian Music Festival, Ontario, southern gospel, Torchmen
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ANDREW BRUNET AND FRIENDS BECOMES NATIONALLY SYNDICATED
Written by Staff on January 30, 2019 – 10:29 am -

ANDREW BRUNET AND FRIENDS BECOMES NATIONALLY SYNDICATED
Rock Hill, S.C. (JANUARY 30, 2019) – Andrew Brunet and Friends is celebrating recent growth as the radio show now is a nationally syndicated show, reaching millions of listeners across the nation with the sound of Southern gospel music.
“Our goal is to reach the lost and dying souls in the world with the message of hope and encouragement, to share that no matter what trial they face, Christ is with them and will supply their needs according to His riches in glory,” shared Andrew Brunet.
It all began in 2014 with a vision to share encouragement and to carry the light of Jesus in a lost and dying world.
Andrew said, “I started listening to gospel music by the Inspirations and the Gaither Homecoming Hour, among others, when I was 14 years old. I knew that this was the industry I wanted to become a part of. God put me in touch with a special friend in Alabama over at WZCT, Rejeana Leeth, who was willing to give this boy a shot at trying to spin the best of gospel music and the rest is history.”
Major artists such as Gordon Mote, Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision, Les Butler, Charlotte Ritchie, Bradley Walker and Buddy Liles have made appearances on the show, and there is a strong lineup of artists on the calendar for 2019.

Andrew Brunet and Karen Peck
Artists wishing to schedule an appearance can call Andrew Brunet directly at (803) 374-4069 or send an email to abrunetandfriends@gmail.com
Listeners can tune in Monday through Friday from 10am to Noon on www.bikertv.org to watch the broadcast live online or can tune in to the radio broadcasts listed below:
Saturdays: 7:00 a.m. (PST) – RacMan Christian Radio
Sundays: 10:00 a.m. (CST) – WLDX – The River; 1:00 p.m. (EST) – AM 760 WCIS; 4:00 p.m. (EST) – Notespire Radio; 7:00 p.m. (EST) – Star99 Radio
Mondays: 4:00 p.m. (EST) – Appalachian Gospel Radio
Wednesdays: 6:00 p.m. (EST) – RacMan Christian Radio; 8:00 p.m. (EST) – WBNI Radio
For more Gospel Music news Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.
Tags: Andrew Brunet, Andrew Brunet and Friends, Bradley Walker, Charlotte Ritchie, gordon mote, gospel music, Greater Vision, Les Butler, Rodney Griffin, southern gospel
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