Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Heavens Highway Reaches Booking Agreement with Rivergate Talent Agency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Powerful Counry/Southern Gospel group Heavens Highway is excited to announce a recent partnership that will assist the group in the area of booking and appearances. The popular group signed a booking agreement with Bonnie White and the Rivergate Talent Agency.

Bonnie White opened the doors of Rivergate Talent Agency in 1993.  Since entering the gospel music industry, Bonnie has made a lot of friends all over the world. Her down home friendly voice personifies her warm personality. She is always eager to work with churches, promoters, fairs, and other venues to fulfill talent needs at a reasonable price. Bonnie’s goal for Rivergate Talent Agency is to further the Gospel throughout the world with song through the ministry of Christian artists. Other artists with the Rivergate Talent Agency include the Dixie Echoes, Down East Boys, Gann Family, Four Fold, and others.

“We are very excited about working with Bonnie White,” mentioned David Timms of Heavens Highway. “She is a class act and works very hard for her artists! We know that this is going to be a fantastic partnership for our ministry!”

For more information on the Rivergate Talent Agency – visit http://www.rivergatetalent.com .

Heavens Highway has been making their mark at Southern Gospel radio. Fresh on the heels of scoring their first Singing News Top 40 hit, Heavens Highway recently released their new single to Southern Gospel radio.

The single, titled “When God Makes a Promise,” was released to Southern Gospel radio earlier through both Spin-N-Motion Promotions and Patterson Promotions. The new single can be found on Spin-N-Motion Radio Promotions March 2010 disc and Patterson Promotions Compilation, Vol. 1. This song was penned by Dove Award-winning songwriter Tina Sadler.

“When God Makes a Promise” is the follow-up single to “Longing to Go” – the group’s first Singing News Top 40 hit. The song spent several months on the chart before peaking at #34. In addition, the song was a regular fixture on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Chart, SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart, and other Southern Gospel radio reports.

Both “When God Makes a Promise” and “Longing to Go” are on Heavens Highway’s latest recording – Deep Roots.

For more information on Heavens Highway, visit their website at http://www.heavenshighwaymusic.com .  You can also visit the band on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/heavenshighwaygospel .

The Tana Lonon Agency Signs Marshall Hall

Nashville, TN (May 27, 2010) – The Tana Lonon Agency is pleased to announce an exclusive booking agreement with Marshall Hall (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band) as he launches his solo career with Daywind Records.

Hall shared, “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be teamed up with Tana Lonon.  Her reputation with people whom I respect is what drew me in her direction, but it’s the person behind the accolades that sealed the deal.  Tana is just ‘good people.’”  He continued, “I am excited to start exploring this new path God has for me.  I want to thank Ed Leonard and Norman Holland at Daywind, and The Tana Lonon Agency.  They have all been so supportive of my family and me.  I am blessed to be associated with such quality folks.  Hopefully I’ll be seeing some familiar faces on the road soon.  To be honest, I am just humbled and grateful that anyone would want to have me come to their church and share about God’s love.”

“Marshall Hall is the epitome of incredible vocal talent, a heart for ministry, and true class.” expressed Norman Holland (A&R Director and vice president of Daywind Records).  “To combine his gifts with a booking agency like The Tana Lonon Agency, who is intent on representing artists with strong talent, a heart for ministry, and true class, is the absolutely perfect combination.  We look forward to all that is yet in store for Marshall as he embarks on a great solo career.  His debut Daywind album is due out this fall. We can’t wait to share his music with the world.”

Lonon added, “I can’t think of a better combination than Marshall Hall and Daywind Records!  I am so thrilled to be partnering with Marshall’s ministry and count it an honor to represent him.  His talent is evident, his character is clear, his heart for God is humbling, and I am looking forward to sharing his ministry to the ‘uttermost parts of the world.’  It begins with a great song, and that song is taken to the world by a great singer, and that is certainly found in Marshall Hall.”

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Mickey Bell signs with EHA, Garners top 5 Finalist Diamond Award Nomination

{Bessemer, AL} “This Week in Gospel Music” creator/DJ, Mickey Bell, signed a publicity agreement this week with EHA-Nashville as he continues to promote his popular syndicated radio program across the airwaves.

Bell has been affiliated with Southern Gospel music his entire life as a pianist, producer, and poplar radio personality. His broadcasting career garnered him 8 Associated Press awards, including “Best Produced Show” and “Best Produced Special Program” at CBS Affiliate in Huntsville, Alabama. Bell’s program features plenty of Gospel music, artist interviews, giveaways, and whatever comes off the top of his head.

Bell says that he wants to bring fun to Gospel Music, and strives to keep his broadcasts upbeat and spiritual along with smiles and laughter. He attended his first concert when he was two weeks old, went on to become a gospel pianist, later became a DJ, and continues to enlarge his musical portfolio and his fan base – he never tires of music. From his first job at age 14 as DJ for WVSM in Rainsville, Alabama, to performing with Gospel greats such as New Ground, The Steeles, Tony Gore & Majesty, and The Nelons, Bell continues to make huge strides in the industry as a creative, multi-talented innovator in Southern Gospel music. W

ith his recent Diamond Awards top 5 nomination for the “Paul Heil Award in Broadcasting,” Bell continues to prove he is an all-around favorite industry mover and shaker. Bell is currently the Sr. Pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church in Bessemer, Al., and says that being a part of The Union Hill Church has inspired and blessed him. Evie Hawkins says, “I am happy to be associated with this creative and talented man and honored that he has enlisted our help with his publicity for “This Week in Gospel Music.” It is a thrilling opportunity to be a part of his music and broadcast endeavors.

For more info:

http://www.thisweekingospelmusic.com/

Tana Lonon Agency Relocates To Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN – The Tana Lonon Agency is pleased to announce their relocation to Nashville, TN. The company is relocating from Florida.

Owner and president, Tana Lonon, is originally from Nashville and she expressed that she is thrilled to be home. “After being away for 16 years, it’s great to come home to Nashville and all my friends,” shared Lonon. “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to represent such talented artists and to be able to relocate my business to such a perfect place as Music City U.S.A.”

To learn more about The Tana Lonon Agency and their wonderful roster of artists including Crabb Revival, Marshall Hall, No Other Name, and others, visit tanalononagency.com.  You may also email tanatla@aol.com or call 615.866.9741.  Additional contact information is as follows: 5754 Amalie Drive, Nashville, TN  37211, ph. 615.866-9741 fax: 615.301.8193.

Ladd Family signs with Pathlight Promotions & Media Group

Poca, WV  – The Ladd Family of Rock Hill, SC has recently signed an exclusive radio & media promotion agreement with Pathlight Promotions & Media Group. “We are very excited to welcome the Ladd Family to our constantly growing family of artists. They have an energetic, fresh sound coupled with a strong desire to minister the Gospel through song and are a great bunch of folks.” says Martha Drake, owner of Pathlight Promotions & Media Group.  Their upcoming single will go out on the Pathlight Promotions CD for Radio Vol 2010-05 & is expected to ship to radio in early to mid June 2010.

The Ladd Family is an anointed family trio with strong Christian roots. The ministry of the Ladd Family began more than 35 years ago when John and Violet Ladd felt the call of God on their lives and began to travel singing and preaching the gospel with their children Tommy, Terry, John David, Paul, and Steve. As the children began to grow up they moved into separate ministries as the Lord was leading; Paul sang tenor and played piano for the Steeles and Steve sang tenor for the Anchormen and Gold City. Today’s Ladd Family line-up consists of Paul, his wife Melissa, and Stephanie Jacks-Taylor. As they continue to lift up the mighty name of Jesus, He continues to lift them up. God has performed mighty miracles in their services including healings, deliverance, and the greatest miracle of all, salvation. This year the Ladd Family was nominated top 10 in the Diamond Awards for fan favorite artist website and is nominated top 5 for the Sunrise award, which recognizes the industry’s best up and coming artists.

Their debut album called “Love, Mercy, and Grace” is slated for a June 2010 release date to coincide along with their freshman single to be released on the Pathlight Promotions compilation entitled “Let Go.” Their debut single is a call to all Christians to rise up as Moses did to Pharaoh and tell Satan to let God’s people go. Ten of the eleven songs on the project were written by Paul and Melissa Ladd, including “Let Go.”

For more information on the Ladd Family please visit their website at www.laddfamilyministries.com, email them at laddfamilyministries@yahoo.com, or contact their office at (803) 374-0718

SSE Group, Inc. Welcomes Brenda Denney to Artist Development Team

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – SSE Group, Inc. – parent company to Southern Spin Entertainment, SouthernSpinRadio.com and SSE Design Group – is proud to announce the addition of Brenda Denney to the company’s artist development team.

Brenda Denney is one third of the popular Southern Gospel trio 2nd Generation. Denney also serves on the Advisory Council for the Branson Gospel Music Convention.

“I am so excited about joining the staff of SSE,” mentioned Brenda. “My group, 2nd Generation, has been a part of the company for the last four years, so I know first hand the kind of work that they do for their clients. I believe in this company, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with other artists who are looking to expand their ministry!”

“We knew we needed to add another individual to our team,” mentioned Amy Unthank of SSE Group, Inc. “Brenda is a talented artist and has a real heart for this industry. We know that she’s going to do a great job for us!”

Brenda will join Scott Bandy as a part of the Artist Development Team which helps recruit artists and assists them through the signing process.

To find out more about Brenda and 2nd Generation – visit http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com .

For more information on the services that SSE Group, Inc. offers, visit http://www.southernspin.com or http://www.ssedesigngroup.com

Shine On Trio Reaches Publicity and Web Publishing Agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – South Carolina mixed group Shine On Trio has reached a publicity and web publishing agreement with SSE Group, Inc.  Through this agreement, the talented trio has gained exclusive access to all media outlets serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, in addition to advertising and marketing possibilities.  The Shine On Trio will also receive a newly designed webpage and media kit through this agreement.

The Shine On Trio is based out of Chapin, South Carolina and consists of Roger and Cathy Troutman, and Cathy’s sister Brenda Quick.  While the group may have a relatively short history, they share a story of God’s grace and timing at their ministry events. The trio has one recording – Let the Son Shine.

“We are so anxious to tell the world about the Shine On Trio,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group, Inc. “This trio has an amazing story, and we can’t wait to share it with the rest of the world!”

Roger Troutman of Shine On Music Ministries said, “We are very excited to be working with the SSE Group.  Joining the artist lineup at SSE puts us among some of the best names in Southern Gospel music, and we are honored to be part of a company with such a rich history.  With their gospel music roots, Chris and Amy have that extra edge in order to tailor to the needs of each artist.  We are looking forward to a long relationship with SSE!”

Southern Spin Entertainment is one of three divisions of the 501c non-profit organization SSE Group, Inc.  The company is operated by siblings Amy Marie Unthank and Chris D. Unthank.  The company currently represents artists, companies, and organizations in all genres of Gospel music – including the Dove Brothers, The Freemans, The Nelons, AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), HisSong, Misty Freeman, Driven Quartet, the Diamond Awards, Branson Gospel Music Convention, Eighth Day, David Hill Trio, Sharron Kay King, Heavens Highway, The Pathfinders, 2nd Generation, Brothers Forever, English Family, Men of Music, Faithful Crossings, and many more.

News about a new album and record label for the Shine On Trio will be released at a later date.

Until Shine On Trio’s new site is unveiled – you can find out more information on the group by visiting http://www.shineontrio.com .

Diamond Award Nominee Zack Swain signs with EHA-Nashville, Releases New Project

Nashville, TN – As Zack Swain’s long-awaited CD, “For God So Loved” is released, he is both thrilled and excited to be parelleling that accomplishment with the award nomination and bringing on Evie Hawkins of EHA-Nashville to help publish the good news of his music ministry.

Swain brings a rich musical heritage to each performance. His background is rich from several generations, covering a variety of musical styles. A student of the Stamps-Baxter school of music, Swain studied under some of Gospel music’s finest musicians, teachers, and performers. He also studied piano privately in Greenbrier, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee for several years. Beginning at the age of three, Swain  began to amaze many friends and family with his unique piano artistry. He played an integral part in  music ministries of North Arkansas’ largest Nazarene church: Greenbrier Church of the Nazarene in Greenbrier, Arkansas. At the age of 11, he was on the full-time music staff of the church, fulfilling responsibilities of principal keyboardist and pianist. At age 15, he made the decision to devote all of his energies toward working in the field of Southern Gospel music. He has shared the stage with many prestigious artists in the gospel music spectrum and his music ministry has taken him to many churches, arenas, and performance halls all around the world. He has had the honor of playing at the Deep South Quartet Conventions, Bud Magnuss Memorial Singing, and being a part of the piano “Roll of Honor” with many legends and Hall of Fame pianists. He also has performed on stage at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.

Swain is also involved in studio work, playing keyboard sessions on recording projects in various Southeastern studios. He has recorded solo piano projects, all of which have been released and distributed through his solo concerts. Swain has captured the attention and hearts of Gospel music fans all over the world and is quickly rising toward being one of Gospel music’s favorite musicians.

For more info on Zack Swain or to book a concert: http;//www.ZackSwain.com

One Voice” Hits #1 on Radioactive Airplay, signs with EHA-Nashville

{Nashville, TN} Matt Throgmorton, manager of One Voice, announces today that the Marion, IL based Southern Gospel trio has come to a publicity agreement with EHA-Nashville and scores a #1 on Radioactive Airplay’s Top 100 Southern Gospel chart for week ending 4/20/10.

Charles Brady, founder of Radioactive Airplay and Caraway Media Group, notes, “Anytime a song debuts at Number 1 on the Radioactive Airplay Top 100 Chart it gets my immediate attention. After listening to One Voice and their radio release “Everybody Needs Jesus,” I just knew this was a hit song. One Voice delivered wonderful vocals on a song with a powerful and timely message and that’s a winning combination! Radio loves this newest hit song and I do too!”

Throgmorton, states, “It has been such a blessing to see and hear how the message this song has to offer has touched so many people’s lives. We are also excited to bring our EHA-Nashville publicists on board. We are excited about partnering with Evie and look forward to great things ahead for our music ministry.” Mickey Bell, (This Week in Gospel Music) commented on “Everybody Needs Jesus” saying, “Good country feel with an encouraging message for all to hear. Easy Listening!” Johnathan Bond, President of HIS Choice Music, has also booked One Voice to perform on the next “Tune of the Sea” cruise, sponsored by his record company.
For more info on One Voice:
www.OneVoiceTrio.org
www.HISchoiceMusic.com
www.EvieHawkinsAgency.com

Chapel Valley Adds Richard Hyssong as Marketing and Artist Director

Chapel Valley has announced that Richard Hyssong has been recently added as their Marketing and Artist Director.