Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

The Watkins Family gains new chart song and adds a new musician

The Watkins Family adds talents of a full-time musician to their ministry as their latest song climbs the charts.
The group which includes matriarch Judy Watkins and two of her adult children Todd and Lorie. They continue a path sharing their love of Jesus through acoustic music touring across the United States and Canada since 1982.
Josh Blankenship, 26, of Floyd County, Va., who plays guitar and mandolin, recently joined the group.
Blankenship was previously part of the bluegrass gospel band – Statement with his sister Ashlee Blankenship.
“We often meet talented musicians but Josh is more than that, he also has the heart for ministry it takes to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Judy Watkins.
Blankenship who began playing just six years ago said his focus is to reach the lost and encourage people through the music.
“The reason I wanted to play with the Watkins Family is I could tell they really believe what they are singing about,” he said.
Lorie and Todd agree that his talents add wonderfully to what they share musically.
“Josh and his wife Brooke, who also lends her support to our work, are wonderful additions to our ministry,” Lorie said. “He ably adds to what we do musically and vocally and brings a wonderful songwriting talent to the mix of our material as well.”
The group’s latest project “Heaven’s Worth Waiting For” including their new chart single “What a Wonderful Name.” Gerald Crabb penned the song.
“We are excited to have our third Singing News chart recording from this CD,” Lorie said. “It is a wonderful song that we have seen touch those that attend our concerts.”
Grammy winner Mark Fain, Grammy nominated Karen Peck Gooch, and Danny Jones, produced the CD.
For more information, visit www.watkinsfamilymusic.com.