Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

MUSIC ICON RICKY SKAGGS NOMINATED FOR IBMA AWARD

Nashville, Tenn. (August 19, 2013) – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)  finalists were announced last week with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder securing a nomination in the “Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year” category for “New Jerusalem.”  The song is a brand new instrumental from the 2012 album Music To My Ears by Skaggs, who also wrote the tune.

NEW DAY DAWNING Debuts on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 15 Albums Chart

Nashville, TN (January 7, 2013) Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce brother/sister Bluegrass duo THE ROYS have received Christian Gospel Music (CGM) Fan Awards Nomination in the Favorite Duo category.  Fans can view the complete list of top ten nominees and CAST THEIR VOTE at Christian Voice Magazine.

The third and final ballots listing the top-five finalists in each category will be published by Christian Voice Magazine in March.  Awards will be given as winners are announced at the 2013 CGM Fan Awards in Pigeon Forge, TN this spring.  The CGM Fan Awards will be held April 27 during the week of CGM FanFest.  For more information, please visit www.cgmfanfest.com.

THE ROYS’ hit single “Still Standing” climbs again this month to reach the Number 14 spot on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s TOP 30 Songs Chart with the album, NEW DAY DAWNING, making its debut this month on the publication’s Top 15 Albums Chart.  This has certainly been a landmark album for the duo as NEW DAY DAWNING debuted at Number 2 on the BILLBOARD Bluegrass Albums Chart last September and two weeks later climbed to Number 1 on Amazon’s Bluegrass Best Sellers list.

Lee and Elaine have just wrapped up an incredible year that brought them and Bluegrass music into the national spotlight with their high profile TV appearances on: CBS This Morning, Fox & Friends, Marie, Daytime, The Better Show, and Daily Buzz.  They also appeared on the PBS programs Pa’s Fiddle: Charles Ingalls, American Fiddler and Song of the Mountains; RFD-TV’s Reno’s Old Time Music Festival; CMC Australia/Sky TV-U.K. Bluegrass Mountains TV Show and the Dr. Steve Show.

THE ROYS will hit the high seas later this month on the Danny Stewart Bluegrass Cruise January 20-23 where they will perform along with other Bluegrass artists: Nu-Blu, The Spinney Brothers, Dave Nichols and Spare Change, Ernie Evans and the Florida State Bluegrass Band and more.  For a complete tour schedule and more information on THE ROYS, please visit www.TheRoysOnline.com.

THE ROYS Bring Bluegrass To Marie!

Nashville, TN (December 11, 2012) — THE ROYS recently connected with entertainment icon Marie Osmond for an episode of her popular new Hallmark Channel TV show, Marie!  Lee and Elaine share insights unique to performing siblings with Marie and discuss their new CD and career goals.  The award-winning duo is honored to be the first Bluegrass artist to appear on the show, and they perform their current Top 20 single “Still Standing.”  The song is an uplifting tale of triumph over adversity that features Elaine’s passionate lead vocal and Lee’s poetic harmony; the track is from THE ROYS’ most-recent disc NEW DAY DAWNING (Rural Rhythm Records).  The episode airs Thursday, December 13 at 12 Noon ET on cable stations and at 9 a.m. ET on DirecTV. Click HERE for more information on the show.

Marie’s successes continue to grow, and the new show proves her appeal is everlasting. Marie! embraces the “variety” format; other recent guests include Betty White, Florence Henderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristi Yamaguchi, Dean Cain, Windell Middlebrooks and, of course, Donnie Osmond.

Catch up with THE ROYS at TheRoysOnline.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Credit:  Crown Media United States, LLC/Alexx Henry Studios

Perfect Harmony Promotions Presents: “A Gospel Grass Gathering” November 16 in Scottsboro Alabama

Perfect Harmony Promotions Presents a night of Gospel and Bluegrass Music on Friday, November 16.  Multi- Award winning Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver along with the Primitive Quartet, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio will perform at the Collins Elementary School Auditorium 102 Legion Street, Scottsboro, Alabama. Doors open at 5:45, concert begins at 7:00 CST.  Tickets are $23, Reserved Seating, $25 at the door, General Admission in advance, $18, $20 at the door. For seating and ticket information, call 1-800-401-6920  or visit http://perfectharmonypromotions.com/

THE ROYS Join The Pink Arrow Project

Nashville, TN (November 13, 2012) — Mary J. Hale, Founder and CEO of the PINK ARROW PROJECT, is proud to announce that THE ROYS have joined the organization to help raise awareness of the campaign. What began as an organization of Archers Helping Archers has now expanded into helping cancer survivors and their families outside the archery community and funding ground-breaking cancer research.

“We are so proud to have brother/sister duo, Lee and Elaine Roy, help represent the PINK ARROW PROJECT,” said Hale. “They are such sweet and talented people, and we are so happy to have them on board. We recently announced THE ROYS’ label-mate and acclaimed vocalist Carrie Hassler as our first musical artist to help introduce our organization to the music world. We are extremely proud to have THE ROYS also bringing awareness to folks that might otherwise never have known about our project. ”

The PINK ARROW PROJECT also has an “On Target” fundraising campaign to promote their line of “Pink” archery products benefiting cancer research. The “On Target” campaign features the fictional character, “Karing” played by Atlanta native and model, Kerri McDaniel. The character appears on the promotional posters, stickers, the website and more. Read more »

Doyle Lawson Elected President of Bluegrass

BRISTOL, TN  — Doyle Lawson has been voted the President of Bluegrass Music this week in a poll sponsored by Bluegrass Today Magazine.  The poll numbers stayed neck-and-neck between Doyle and Del McCoury, with no one else in close contention for the top spot in the first-ever race for President of Bluegrass. The final numbers reflected 37% of votes for Doyle Lawson and 30% for McCoury. 

Lawson’s website praised McCoury for running a strong race and Bluegrass Today for sponsoring the good-spirited election whose other nominees included such artists as the Grammy-winning Allison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent.

Of the honor, Lawson wrote:
“Well folks, I am just about speechless (and that’s not good for a President) but I want to thank everyone for this extinguished – I mean distinguished honor. And now I must be about my duties as your President, for there is much to be done, and I have quite a mess on my hands.  My intentions are to make all roads lead to Bluegrass music venues, all hit recordings be by a Bluegrass artist, all awards be won by Bluegrass artists, and mainstream Airplay across the board to be BLUEGRASS! That should keep me busy for the first term, and by the end of it I should have a new platform to stump with, should I decide to run for re-election.  And finally, look on the bright side, I am taking no salary for any of this!  Thank you again, my fellow bluegrass music lovers, and Long Live this Music from the Heart!”
 
Doyle Lawson
President of Bluegrass Music

Lawson’s acceptance speech was tongue-in-cheek for a fun victory in an election-week themed poll, but his influential reach in helping to build Bluegrass music is very real. Testaments of his devotion and success in Bluegrass range from being a founding member of the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) to helping build the genre with a style embraced for nearly 50 years and almost 40 albums.  The trailblazing Lawson was recently inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in September, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver were crowned the Inspirational Country Music Association (ICM) Vocal Group of the Year in October at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

For daily photos and updates on Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, please visit their new official Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/doylelawsonofficial?ref=hl

Photo by Sherri George:  President-elect Doyle Lawson with Mr. Commodore at Vanderbilt Stadium, following Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s recent National Anthem performance at the Vanderbilt Football Homecoming Game with Massachusetts in Nashville. (Children’s Hospital & Arena Tour performance)

TV Alert — Tune In To The Roys on Crook & Chase! Nov 3 and 4

Nashville, TN (November 1, 2012) – THE ROYS will make their first appearance on the popular, nationally-syndicated television show CROOK & CHASE! this Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4.  Lorianne, Charlie, Elaine and Lee discussed the award-winning duo’s EP NEW DAY DAWNING (Rural Rhythm Records); stories from the road; the joys and challenges of family working together, and THE ROYS’ new partnership with Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink.  CROOK & CHASE! broadcasts in more than 130 markets and airs on multiple networks, including: RFD-TV, My Family TV, Sky Angel and Pegasus TV.  Nashvillians can watch the show Saturday at 6 p.m. CDT on WNAB (Channel 58); out-of-area viewers can find local coverage options by clicking on Crook & Chase TV.

In other news, THE ROYS’ current single, “Still Standing,” just made its debut at Number 25 on the November 2012 Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Songs Chart.  In addition, the track continues its two-month run on the International Hotdisc Chart where it peaked at Number 2.  Lee and Elaine have been sharing their new music with fans via a sweep of appearances on both national television and syndicated radio.  Prior to their visit on CROOK & CHASE!, the siblings were featured guests on THE DAILY BUZZ, CBS THIS MORNING, DAYTIME, FOX & FRIENDS, MOBY IN THE MORNING and SiriusXM.

ABOUT THE ROYS

Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and raised across the border in New Brunswick, Canada, THE ROYS come from a unique musical family.  Surrounded by song from their earliest memories, Lee and Elaine are now hailed for their superb sibling harmonies, “Rootsy” sound and compelling original tunes.  A vibrant and progressive instrumental attitude complements THE ROYS’ vocal style, and their music has enchanted fans since the duo’s first release.  With over 150 dates booked so far this year, they have shared the stage with George Jones, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Ricky Skaggs, John Rich, Darryl Worley, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson, Janie Fricke, The Oak Ridge Boys and Chris Young.  Their debut CD for Rural Rhythm, LONESOME WHISTLE, earned them a spot on BILLBOARD’S Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 Chart and gave them two hit singles: “Coal Minin’ Man” and “Trailblazer.”  In October they were named Inspirational Country Music’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year (2012).  THE ROYS were previously honored with that award in 2011 and dubbed the organization’s Duo of the Year in 2010 and 2009.  They are currently aligned with Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink for a strategic partnership.

Fans can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, FACEBOOK and on Twitter@theroysonline.

Vanderbilt Football Homecoming Game to Feature Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver National Anthem Performance

NASHVILLE (October 26, 2012)  —  Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will perform our National Anthem for Vanderbilt University this weekend as the Commodores host UMASS in their Homecoming Football Game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville this Saturday, October 27, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. (CDT).

Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of pink in the normally black and gold-laden stadium, as Vanderbilt helps raise awareness of breast cancer during the game via incorporating pink into the uniforms of players, cheerleaders and the Spirit of Gold Marching Band.

Fireworks will light up the sky following the game as Vanderbilt rings Homecoming Night out in bright style with a fireworks show.  Half-time festivities will honor Vanderbilt’s Outstanding Seniors and Alumni.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are just coming off an award-winning few weeks, as they were crowned Inspirational Country Music Association Vocal Group of the Year last week at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, with that honor on the heels of Doyle Lawson’s induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in late September at the Ryman Auditorium. DLQ will perform our National Anthem at Vanderbilt as part of their two-year old Children’s Hospital & Arena Tour.

Game tickets are $35 each and may be purchased by calling the Vanderbilt Ticket Office at (615)322-GOLD, or on-line at:  http://www.vucommodores.com/tickets/vand-tickets.html.

The game will be broadcast on FSN Network and Radio 1510 AM, as well as on-line via Gametracker at:  http://www.vucommodores.com/allaccess/?media=327428.  

For more information on Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, please go to:  www.doylelawson.com

For daily photos and updates on the group, please visit their new Official Facebook Page at:  https://www.facebook.com/doylelawsonofficial?ref=hl

Photo:
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver following ICM Awards win.  L to R:  Jason Barie, Josh Swift, Corey Hensley, Doyle Lawson, Mike Rogers and Joe Dean.

THE ROYS Take Home ICM Bluegrass Artist of the Year Award For Second Consecutive Year

Nashville, TN (October 19, 2012) — THE ROYS have been named Inspirational Country Music’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year for 2012, giving them back-to-back wins in this category.  “We sing what is in our hearts and true to our Faith,” comments Elaine Roy.  “It was a very strong group of nominees – everyone deserved this award,” notes her brother Lee.  “Elaine and I are so honored to win this for the second year in a row.”  THE ROYS were named the organization’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year in 2011 and Duo of the Year in 2010 and 2009.

The brother/sister duo kicked off the 20th Anniversary Faith, Family & Country™ Awards Show with a performance of the title track from their current EP, NEW DAY DAWNING (Rural Rhythm).  The disc debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart in early September and two weeks later had risen to Number 1 on Amazon’s Bluegrass Best Sellers list.

Last night’s Awards ceremony was hosted by Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander and GAC’s Storme Warren and held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.  THE ROYS shared the stage with luminaries Mac Powell (Third Day), Andy Griggs, John Berry, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and more.  The nationally-televised program aired on TCT Television Network, Total Living Network, NRB Network and Golden Eagle Broadcasting.  Fans should check local listings for repeat air dates and times.  Nashvillians can view the show on WKRN-TV (Channel 2) on December 23.

Music lovers can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, FACEBOOK and on Twitter @theroysonline.

Lee Roy of THE ROYS Receives Plaque For Number 1 Inspirational Country Single “I Wonder What God’s Thinking”

Nashville, TN (October 17, 2012) — Lee Roy of the award-winning brother/sister duo THE ROYS was honored Monday when he received a plaque from Power Source Magazine for his Number 1 Inspirational Country Single, “I Wonder What God’s Thinking.”  The presentation took place during Day 2 of Inspirational Country Music Week (October 14-18) aboard the historic General Jackson Showboat.  Honorees and luncheon attendees enjoyed a scenic cruise and were entertained with live performances by Geoffrey Andrews, Russ Murphy, Steve Richard, Laura Dodd and Larissa.  “I Wonder What God’s Thinking” questions the Lord’s perception of today’s often selfish society that frequently ignores our fellow humans in need.  The poignant song was featured on THE ROYS’ extremely popular and critically-acclaimed Rural Rhythm Records’ debut CD, LONESOME WHISTLE.

“Every award is meaningful in its own way,” comments Lee.  “But to be recognized for my efforts as a songwriter is especially humbling, since I believe in divine inspiration.  I wrote it after watching the news and considering how separated so many of us seem to have become from each other and from God.”

Lee and his sister Elaine comprise THE ROYS, a powerhouse duo that’s repeatedly rocketed up the charts and grown in popularity during the past two years.  Their August-issue EP, NEW DAY DAWNING, debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart in early September and two weeks later the disc had risen to Number 1 on Amazon’s Bluegrass Best Sellers list.  The EP’s first single release, “Still Standing,” debuted on the Power Source Bluegrass Top 35 chart this month.

The reigning ICM’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS, are candidates for nomination in three award categories for 2012: Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year and Bluegrass Artist of the Year.

The siblings are playing an active role in this year’s Inspirational Country Music Week, with appearances on Sunday, October 14 (ICM Opening Ceremony at Cornerstone Church) and on Thursday, October 18 as they kick off the 20th Anniversary of the ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards Show with the evening’s first performance.

Fans can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, FACEBOOK and on Twitter @theroysonline.

Photo: Elaine Roy, Lee Roy and Power Source Editor Jason Higgins.     Credit: Wyneka Thomas Photography