A New Chapter: A Spotlight on Lauren Talley

Southern gospel music has had a major impact on many who listen to it. The same can also be said for those who sing it as well. As a member of The Talleys, Lauren Talley’s life has been transformed by this life changing music.

Talley joined her parents as the third member of the trio at a young age. Her soulful, powerful voice and equally infectious personality has delighted audiences all over the world. Now, in 2020, a new season approaches for Talley as she enters into full time solo ministry. 

Talleys

In 1996, The Talleys reformed after a three years hiatus, with Lauren officially joining her parents Roger and Debra. However, Talley’s journey into Southern gospel began much earlier. 

“I was a toddler when my family formed The Talleys,” recalls Lauren. “I sat backstage or on the front row for their concerts every night until I was 10 years old. At that time, my mom and dad felt the Lord’s leading to put their career on pause and stay home. For the next three years, God began to make the calling on my life known to me, and I developed my own interest in singing. My parents and I began performing together as the second version of the Talleys in 1996. I was 13.” 

Her unmistakable soprano voice has now become a fixture of the group as well as the genre. Lauren cites several influences on her unique sound. 

“Pretty much anybody who’s good,” says Lauren. “I listened to everything growing up, every style. I tried my hardest to sing like the Martins, Wynonna Judd and CeCe Winans as a twelve year old in my bedroom. I’ve tried to learn from anyone who does what they do well.” 

This vocalist’s unique sound is featured on Lauren’s latest two recordings. “Glorious God: Songs of Worship and Wonder,” is a worship album, featuring the song, “Glorious God.” 

“‘Loudest Praise: Hymns of Mercy, Love and Grace,’ is a collection of hymns that I think aren’t sung enough these days. I tried to pick the ones that were superbly written, but aren’t heard every day. Hymns done the LT way,” Lauren states.

Both albums were well received with the latest single being a standout. 

“’Glorious God’ was written by two 12-year-old boys, Mac Duren and Miles LaPointe,” reveals Lauren. “They wrote the song at the 2018 Write About Jesus conference, and I heard it when the choral arrangement debuted at the Lifeway Worship Conference. I asked the publisher and Mac’s dad, Cliff Duren, if I could have it right then and there! I’m glad they said yes. Mac and Miles have a very bright future.”

Though she has experienced great success, Lauren remains grounded in her faith and focused on the message.

Read more »

Guy Penrod celebrates Fatherhood

Sing People Happy: A Conversation with Guy Penrod

By Justin Gilmore

Fatherhood is an important responsibility. A father, along with a mother, is tasked with raising up their children to be loving, God-fearing citizens. Legendary Southern gospel vocalist, Guy Penrod, has been blessed with eight children of his own and knows the importance of being a faithful and loving father. Over the course of his career, Penrod has also experienced the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. With the current global pandemic essentially shutting down much of the music industry, Southern gospel groups and artists have been struggling to make ends meet. In addition, both fans and artists alike miss the concert experience.

Penrod, in partnership with Thrive Media Streaming, is bringing his classic live concert experience to viewers all over the world on June 21st. “Concert On The Couch: A Father’s Day Celebration,” features Penrod and his band performing beloved hymns and worship songs in a night of praise. I recently had the honor of speaking with Mr. Penrod about this event as well as his storied career.

Justin Gilmore: First off, let me start this whole thing by saying I am a huge fan of yours. I’ve been a fan for a number of years, especially your work with the Gaither Vocal Band. So, it is an honor for me to speak with you today.

Guy Penrod: Well thank you buddy. Thank you for your kind encouragement. 

Gilmore: For those who don’t know or are not familiar with you, how did you get your start in Southern Gospel Music?

Guy Penrod with the Gaither Vocal Band

Penrod: You know, the start of that for me would probably be with the Vocal Band. I didn’t travel and sing in any groups prior to being with the Vocal Band, just because of the way life went, you know. I grew up singing, enjoyed it all the way through high school and college. 

Gilmore: Who are your musical influences?

GUY PENROD Blessed Assurance

Penrod: That’s a broad question. A real influence for me not just vocally but character wise was George Beverly Shea. I grew up listening to him and fell in love with his rich baritone voice.  I loved the way you could understand what he sang. I’m a big lover of voices: Nat King Cole, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson. I lived out west so we listened to a lot of country music. Those voices meant a lot to me as I grew up. On the Gospel side of things, Jake Hess and the Blackwood Brothers were favorites of mine. My grandmother had an 8-track and I’d listen to the Blackwood Brothers in the carport and sing along at the top of my lungs.

Gilmore: Speaking of music, let’s talk about your latest album.

Penrod: The latest thing we have is ‘Blessed Assurance,” which is around one or two years old now. It is a compilation of hymns and worship songs like “ I Surrender All,” “The Love Of God,”and more. We wanted to pick songs that lend themselves to sing along. 

Gilmore: Any meaningful fan encounters over the course of your career?

Penrod: Many, many, many wonderful people that have been encouraging and supportive all along the way. Many names pass through my mind: a little lady named Sue Johnson from Atlanta used to show up at just about every concert that I did east of the Mississippi. Eventually, bad health, now she’s singing up in Heaven. Through the years so many people like that. I think of a little boy, he had a difficult disease and it hit him out of the blue. He ended up at twelve years old; he passed away from that, but that concert likewise, his folks brought him. I was one of the only things he responded to. He was completely wheelchair bound, quadrapeligic, couldn’t speak, but just a precious little dude with a wonderful spirit. He would come alive during those concerts, hearing music like that. Fought a hard battle and the Lord just went ahead and took him on to Heaven. But wonderful, wonderful people that are still here and encouraging us and showing up for concerts and supporting what we’re doing.

Gilmore: What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your career?

Penrod: Oh my! I’m not good with singling out things like that for the most part. You know, there have been so many it’s hard to just zone in on one. It’s different things based on the different aspects of my life. Getting married to the most beautiful woman on the earth, the greatest wife, was obviously right at the top of that list. Having kids: seven boys and one little girl. Now, they’re all growing up and  starting to have kids themselves. Now, I’m a grandparent of a beautiful four month old girl and two more on the way! Both girls, one in September and one in October so in the course of about ten or eleven months we will have three brand new grandbabies on the ground. All girls. 

Gilmore: Congratulations! 

Penrod: Thank you! So, that’s hard to beat that. Jump over into the professional world and what I’ve done through the years, it’s just a dream come true, to get to sing on so many wonderful records. Through the Sandy Patty years, and Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, and Wayne Watson, 4Him, Point Of Grace. We could just go on and on with people that have allowed me the privilege of singing on their records. It just amazes me. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and you know, it’s fabulous. Then to scratch the itch of those R&B things, getting to sing on James Ingram’s record, who was a real big influence in my vocal, musical life, too. Loved his voice and the way he communicates. You know, it just goes hand in hand with the other experiences musically. In the Vocal Band years, getting to travel the world and sing at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Red Rocks, London, John Wesley’s Church, the Sydney Opera House, my goodness! And I’m just a little hayseed from Aberline, Texas. If God gave me the magic to write down whatever I wanted to happen and that’s what would happen, I would have never dreamed that stuff. Just a thankful man. Just like when you called and asked how I was doing: better than I deserve. That’s a real true statement. From one perspective it is. 

Gilmore: Right. My next question is: what illustrations or analogies do you use in presenting the Gospel in a concert setting?

Penrod: Oh goodness. That’s a loaded question. I have found that the most effective place to be is, you obviously hide the Word in your heart, memorize it, internalize it, and stay read up, as our minds forget, and pour over it. So, with that hidden away, then when you go out, I tend to try to empty myself and ask the Spirit of the Lord to just calm my mind. Obviously not to remove it, but to empty it of me, and I kind of lay my thoughts or plans for the evening at His feet and say: just speak through me I pray, Holy Spirit. Minister to what these people here tonight need. I find that it’s an effective place to be because when you step out there, He responds in real time. He usually doesn’t show up until He is needed, but stays as long as He is needed, in certain circumstances. Obviously we walk with Him all the time and need Him all the time, but when it comes to the application of sharing the Word or teaching or singing or preaching or exhorting or encouraging or listening or counseling, it’s a certain aspect of Him that fills you up in that moment. I found that He will just fill your mouth if you are bold and courageous enough to step out in front of a crowd or into a room with just one person and minister, that He will use you, recall in you the things he has planted there through the years. Sharing a perfect message is a challenge for us as imperfect humans, you know. So I find leaning on the Spirit of the Lord and being bold, not trying to sneak Jesus into anybody, but just straight up looking folks in the eyeball and saying: God loves you, He’s for you, He’s with you. He’s here tonight and wants to minister. The key is you just gotta let Him in…He said I will draw all men to me. 

Gilmore: My next question is simply: How has singing Gospel music impacted your life and your family?

Penrod: Well, it’s immeasurable really. All encompassing. It’s a vehicle by which the Lord’s blessed us with every good thing. I mean, like anyone, if you follow the Spirit of the Lord’s promptings and new heart He’s given each one of us, in Christ, He says He has removed the old heart of stone, then you yield it to Him. Acknowledge Him in all your ways He will direct your paths. Therein lies the secret to happiness. It’s that right there. I think just resting and waiting on Him for doors. Don’t push. I have done that as a young man and as a middle aged man probably still will push on a few out of hard headedness, but usually it’s a matter of waiting on the Lord, who will open the doors. We walk through them. But I would say the building of family, the relationships, the influence and all those things are gifts from the Lord. So I just pray for His wisdom and strength to walk in that honorably. 

Gilmore: Since Father’s Day is coming up soon, what does fatherhood mean to you?

Guy Penrod and Band. Photo: Russ Harrington

Penrod: Well, I had a good example of a father. I know a lot of folks don’t, but I know a lot of folks do. It’s a heavy responsibility. It is interesting how God made things so organic really. A man grows up and becomes attracted to the opposite sex and before long, one catches his eye and they end up married and rather ignorant at what life holds and to go about handling it. The Lord looks down and says it is good. If you are right in the middle of that, He is a part of the equation. His plan for you is to just trust Him day by day. As new and ignorant as I was when I got married, the Lord led us along, and then when our first baby came, I didn’t know how to deal with a baby, but that’s the beauty of the power of the Lord. He’s so capable that He gives babies to young kids like me and my wife, not that old, but here we are with a baby you know. Then after that, another and another and another, and I just find that if you have enough faith to keep going, He has enough supply to keep supplying. I don’t know that it is a matter of any certain thing, one thing or the other, that as fathers we do. It’s a compilation of all of the small decisions, but the big one being: center your worldview in the Word of God, the Holy Bible, and then acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will direct your path. Then be transparent and we’re gonna make good decisions and have wonderful successes as fathers. But we are also gonna make bad decisions and have failures as well. For the most part, it is something we should do out in front of the family so everyone sees how the Lord works through the ups and the downs. I think at the end of the day, if we trust Him and live openly for Him in front of those we love, that’s the best example of a father, mother, sister, brother, friend, or whatever relationship you want to put on there.

Gilmore: How are you and the family holding up during this quarantine?

Penrod: Everybody’s had a challenging time here, haven’t they. Well, we are just grateful for the Lord’s protection which He said He gives to all His children. No evil shall befall you. No plague shall come near your door. I just read that this morning in the devotional we read. Such is the case here. Just have believed it, proclaimed it, we’ve been blessed with no cases in our family and just a couple in any friend groups around the entire nation. But specifically, the little area where we live, I don’t think we’ve even had a case in our county. We have such a large family so we just kinda came out here to our farm and compound during that time and did a whole bunch of barbequing. So I’ve put on some pandemic quarantine weight that I gotta get rid of. We are happy as we could be and thankful for God’s protection and pray for those who have been affected by this that they will trust in the Lord for His touch and His healing. The Word says: “By His stripes we are healed.” Go ahead and claim it and kick that disease out! 

Gilmore: Amen! Lastly, talk about your upcoming Father’s Celebration Concert.

Penrod: We are really excited. It’s been a challenging time for our industry. We were kind of the first bunch of workers in the marketplace that got shut down because of the restrictions on the sizes of our gatherings, and probably the last ones who will go back to work as they start lifting these restrictions. In that timeframe, we’ve been praying for how the Lord would have us move forward. He has supplied, through a friend of mine and new acquaintances, technology by which we can do live streaming on a very highly technical platform that enables the highest quality sound and highest quality pictures and video content to roll and very capable worldwide bandwidth so that we can produce quality concerts and events out and around the world. We’re just the first in our field to get to use this platform and really excited. We are gonna be from the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee and my band will be with me. We’re playing in an empty auditorium, but in front of a whole lot of people as the cameras go. Gonna lift up Jesus with hymns, worship songs, and live music that ‘sings people happy,’ like much of my buddies have said before. We wanna sing people happy, full of the joy of the Lord and strength and boldness for the days ahead. Encourage them that there’s a wonderful harvest to go reap, we just have to get out there and get after it. So, it’s gonna be on June 21st, Father’s Day. The virtual doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Go to guypenrod.com and click on “Concert On The Couch,” that’s what we’re calling our series and kicking it off with me. They’ll be directed to the home page and a video invitation with instructions on how to reserve an online viewing pass. That pass will get you into the concert on the 21st. There is no fee required. No ticket price. Just register and your in. But we do ask that if you’re capable of making a donation that you do so. We have a button set up for donations, but for those who have had a tough time during this quarantine and they’re low on cash, we don’t want you to miss this. So you’re free to come on in. Invite your friends and loved ones to jump down on their couch and be encouraged. And those who don’t know the Lord and you want to share the Gospel with, we’re gonna share it real plainly that night, so invite to go sign up, get a pass and plop down on the couch for some popcorn and have a good night singing and listening to a good concert. 

Gilmore: Thank you so much for talking with me today. It has been an honor.

Penrod: My pleasure. Thank you for such a good interview. God’s blessing on what you’ve got going there. 

More information:

“Concert On The Couch—A Father’s Day Celebration From Franklin Theatre” premiers for one-time online viewing at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Virtual doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time with special pre-show content. Filmed recently at the historic Franklin Theatre outside Nashville, Guy Penrod’s “Concert On The Couch” is being made available in partnership with Thrive Media Streaming. Exclusive online viewing passes, available for a suggested donation of $5, can be reserved by registering at guypenrod.com.

Jeff Lowe joins SGNScoops Magazine as Reviewer

SGNScoops Magazine is pleased to welcome new reviewer Jeff Lowe to our elite roster of writers. Jeff will be reviewing new music every month. We know everyone will welcome him and all artists will start sharing their latest projects with him.

Randall Hamm. Photo by Marcie Gray – SN Fan Awards 2015
“Randall on the Red Carpet”

Special thanks to Randall Hamm who has been doing our reviews for many years now. Many of you know and love Randall and have been following his steps toward health. He has had to deal with many issues since last fall, and so far has come through them all with grace. Please continue praying for our friend Randall. Thank you, Randall, for all of your hard work for SGNScoops!

Justin Gilmore with Scott Fowler of Legacy Five

We also wish to thank Justin Gilmore who has been doing double duty in the interim. Justin has been a consistent feature writer for SGNScoops, and in the last few months, has also been submitting his reviews on new music. Now he gets to take a deep breath and go back to lending his capable pen to the lives and thoughts of the terrific artists that we feature in SGNScoops Magazine. Thank you, Justin!

Meet Jeff Lowe:

Jeff Lowe, from Massillon, Ohio, has been involved in Southern Gospel Music for 46+ years. In 1974, at the age of 14, Jeff started singing bass with The Soulseekers, a mixed group from his hometown. There have been several groups since that time and in 2009, Jeff started Mercy River Quartet. Eleven years later, the group is still serving the Lord and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Having written for other publications, Jeff is excited to be a part of the SGNScoops family!

May 2020 SGN SCoops Magazine

SGNScoops Magazine invites all record companies and artists to submit their new releases digitally to Jeff at jeffrey.lowe@sssnet.com . For  those who wish to submit their projects physically, please email Jeff for his address information.

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

CD Review: Beautiful Day by Mark Bishop

Mark Bishop

“Beautiful Day”

Label: Sonlite Records

Producer: Jeff Collins, Mark Bishop

Songs: “It’s A Beautiful Day,” “God Needs Ministers,” “Are You Ready For Perfect Love?” “It’s All Good,” “I’ll Just Keep Rowing,” “You Can’t Say He Didn’t Love Us,” “I’m Just Changing Mountains,” “Home Grown Tomatoes,” “The Man On The Other Cross,” “Lost, Lost, Lost”

One of Southern gospel’s most beloved singer-songwriters is back with yet another stellar recording. Mark Bishop hopes to lift spirits with his new CD entitled “Beautiful Day.” This recording features 10 songs that encourage people to trust in God and be witnesses to this lost world.

The CD opens with two great uptempo tracks “It’s A Beautiful Day,” and “God Needs Ministers.” The title track encourages listeners to look on the bright side of life. Don’t let the gloomy days get you down. Jeff Chapman, Chris Allman, and Mylon Hayes join him to make this a fun quartet song. 

Amber Eppinette of 11th Hour joins him on “God Needs Ministers,” which reminds us to shine God’s light in every situation. Be a soul reacher in everyday life. Eppinette also joins Bishop on the powerful ballad “Are You Ready For Perfect Love?” which praises Christ for his transforming love. 

“It’s All Good,” is a fun, groovy tune that reminds us that with God in our lives, happiness is not hard to find. “I’ll Just Keep Rowing,” is a stellar mid-tempo track that simply says: Jesus is the captain of my boat. I will trust him and just keep rowing. 

“You Can’t Say He Didn’t Love Us,” is a beautiful ballad that simply reminds us that God loved us so much that He sacrificed himself to save us from our sins. Bishop picks the tempo back up with the fun “I’m Just Changing Mountains.” This clever tune tells of persevering through the trials of life. God has our best interests at heart and will always be with you. 

Perhaps the standout track on the album, the cut “Home Grown Tomatoes,” tells the story of Brother Joe, a country preacher serving as a witness to everyone he meets. He visits churchgoer’s homes with a bible in one hand and a bag of home grown tomatoes in the other.

“The Man On The Other Cross,” a well crafted ballad, tells of the other men on the crosses next to Christ. This powerful song proclaims: I want to be like the man on the cross who found forgiveness. 

This outstanding album closes with “Lost, Lost, Lost,” a tender ballad that tells the story of being found in Christ. I was lost, but then I found Jesus who gave me purpose and new life.

Justin Gilmore

“Beautiful Day” is yet another powerful and well crafted album from Mark Bishop. This recording not only features fantastic vocals from Bishop, but deeply moving and anointed songs. A must buy for fans of Bishop and Southern gospel fans alike. 4.5 out of  5 stars.

For more information: www.markbishopmusic.com

Guest CD Review by Justin Gilmore of Southern Gospel Spotlight.

Mother’s Day wish from Justin Gilmore

Justin Gilmore with Scott Fowler of Legacy Five

Justin Gilmore is a writer for SGNScoops Magazine from Fallbrook, California. He sent in this Mother’s Day note for his mom, Laurie Gilmore:

Mom, I cannot begin to express my love for you. You are a sweet and caring person and I don’t know what I’d do without you. I can always count on you to be there for me whatever the situation. You have taught me so much: compassion, trust, to stand up for myself, and to laugh. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Happy Mother’s Day.

Laurie Gilmore

Love your son,

Justin Gilmore

Would you like to wish your mother a Happy Mother’s Day? Send us a note at lorraine@sgnscoops.com

Justin Gilmore is a resident of San Diego, California and graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a B.A. in History in June of 2014. Passionate about Southern Gospel music and its history, he decided to venture into the blog world, starting Southern Gospel Spotlight in order to share his love of this great style of music.

Look for a feature by Justin Gilmore on the fabulous Legacy Five and Tribute who were recently in concert in California.

For the current issue of SGNScoops Magazine  click here.

For more Gospel music news click here. 

Full Steam Ahead for the Mark Trammell Quartet

Mark Trammell Quartet

Mark Trammell is a legendary figure in this field and has one of the most recognizable baritone voices with a clear and smooth tone. Trammell, an artist many consider one of the greatest quartet men of his time, has graced the Southern Gospel stage for over forty years as of 2016 and shows no sign of slowing down.

Trammell has sung with many great groups including: The Senators, The Kingsmen, The Cathedrals, Greater Vision, Gold City, and now his own group, Mark Trammell Quartet. After leaving Gold City in 2002, Trammell decided to form his own group, The Mark Trammell Trio.

Trammell’s son Nick has a unique perspective of the early days of the group. “I could write a book on the formation of this ministry from my perspective,” Nick explains. “To keep it short, every single detail that needed to be in place, every door that needed to be opened, and every sign that needed to be given, took place with only the willingness of my father to take the step of faith away from what was comfortable, into what he felt like God was calling him to do.

“I can remember standing in our driveway the week after he left Gold City. He said look around you and remember this moment. There was literally nothing there to start a group with. No other singers, no sound system, no mode of transportation, not even a microphone. Within three months, most of that was provided with little more than prayer and patience. I still to this day stand in the driveway and look around every once in a while to remind myself of what we have seen God orchestrate.” 

Read more »

Christ Is Your Anchor: A Look at The Anchormen Quartet

The Anchormen

One of the definitions of the word anchor is a person or thing that gives strength or support. Many people place their trust and faith in things that cannot provide the strength or support they need. Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ receive His almighty strength. When Christ is your anchor, you can make it through the hardships that life brings your way. The Anchormen, one of Southern Gospel’s premiere groups, is a fitting name for this quartet co-founded by Terry Carter in 1979.

Carter reflects on the early days of the group. “The group started in the spring of 1979. We are now celebrating 36 years in ministry. We began singing in three or four states for the first five years of our ministry. In 1985, we were able to travel on a full-time scale. Even through personal changes and trials along the way God has kept his hand on the ministry of The Anchormen.”

The members of this stellar group hold to Christ as their anchor as their music reflects. For more than three decades, the Anchormen have been traveling the country and the world spreading the good news of the Gospel to thousands of people. They perform around 200 concert dates per year and dedicate their lives to praising Jesus Christ. Not only do they hope to bring joy to their listeners, the quartet’s goal is to effectively lead audiences to a sincere knowledge of Christ through His music. The men of this quartet have made it their mission to stay faithful to the call placed on their lives.

The award-winning quartet has maintained a unique and solid sound no matter the lineup. Manager Tim Bullins states that groups such as the Happy Goodman Family, Hinsons, and The Blackwood Brothers have inspired them musically. Carter adds, “Other influences on the group include: the Cathedral Quartet, the Kingsmen of the 70’s and 80’s, the Stamps, the Statesmen, and the Downings.”

Many great vocalists have taken the stage as members of this fine group including: tenors Benny Blackburn, Steve Ladd, Tony Jarman, David Sutton, and Karl Rice; lead singers Biney English, Dale Forbes, David Hill, Jason Funderburk, Chip Pullen, and Phillip Hughes; baritones Chad Smith and Michael Bartlett; and bass singers Jody Medford, Jeff Chapman, Aaron McCune, David Hester, and Paul Harkey.

Many former Anchormen now serve in other major groups such as: tenor David Sutton (Triumphant), tenor Karl Rice (The Williamsons), lead Chip Pullen (Gold City), bass Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs), and bass Paul Harkey (Ernie Haase and Signature Sound). Each member brought a different dynamic to the group and helped to make this group what it is today.

The current lineup is marked by the return of several former members. Terry Carter, who was a founding member of the group, sang baritone for about 18 years before taking a nine-year break. Carter rejoined the group in 2010 and picked up right where he left off. His infectious energy makes him a great emcee, and his smooth baritone voice delights crowds all over the world. Carter has been nominated in the Top 10 Singing News fan awards and is considered by peers and fans to be one of Southern Gospel’s most beloved baritones.

Will Lane originally joined the Anchormen in 2003 at 23 years old as their bass singer. Lane remained with the quartet until 2006 when he left to co-found Driven Quartet. Last year, he returned to the Anchormen after the departure of Randy Byrd. Lane’s dynamic and rich bass voice has made him a fan favorite over the years.

Lead singer Phillip Hughes, whose previous tenure with the group lasted four years, rejoined this year after singing tenor for the Harvesters Quartet. Hughes is well known for his powerful voice and ability to communicate a lyric with great emotion.

Tenor Derrick Boyd is no stranger to Southern Gospel music having performed with the Dixie Melody Boys, Heaven Bound, The Carolina Boys (Kingsmen Quartet) and the Blackwoods. His incredible tenor voice, powerful testimony and great personality make him a vital part of this group.

The Anchormen are also known for excellent, well-written songs, many of which have made the Top 40 on the Singing News Charts. Terry Carter prides himself on producing top quality recordings as evidenced by the vast catalog of Anchormen records. Their latest CD only continues this tradition of quality songs and production.

Tapestry–Woven Treasures, which was released in March of this year, features a variety of old and new songs including a couple of Anchormen classics that have been re-recorded. Carter states, “We feel we have a great cut with our new single release called ‘You Ain’t Seen The Last of Jesus.’ We are excited to see how it will do on radio.” This mid-tempo song on the resurrection features the deep bass tones of Will Lane and the powerful lead vocals of Phillip Hughes.

The project also includes classics such as “Come To The Fountain,” and “I’ve Been Touched,” which are both Anchormen classics recorded in the early 90’s. The group recorded several other classics including “He Is Worthy,” which according to Carter is Derrick Boyd’s signature song, which he sang with The Dixie Melody Boys.

Now in their 36th year of full time Southern Gospel music, Terry Carter and the Anchormen have been blessed with longevity in the ministry and with this long history come many great stories. Carter says, “Some highlights for me would be singing at the NQC for the first time in 1982 in Nashville, and singing for the first time on national TV on Camp Meeting USA in 1987. But still today the greatest highlight is a soul coming to accept Christ as their Savior.”

The year 2015 brings even more good things for this stellar quartet. Terry Carter exclaims, “The group will be at Memphis Quartet Show in 2016 for the first time. We are also currently looking at material for an upcoming recording.” In terms of concerts, group manager Tim Bullins states, “Fans can expect high-energy singing and transparent testimonies along with songs ranging from old classics to today’s favorites when attending an Anchormen concert.”

Carter adds, “Our ultimate goal is to do our best for Christ our Savior and that through our efforts many will come to know Christ as their personal Savior.” The Anchormen have held steadfast to this goal and have been truly blessed in their career. Through all the changes, Christ remains their anchor.

For more information on the Anchormen, visit their website or Facebook page.

By Justin Gilmore

First published by SGN Scoops in August 2015.

For more artist features and news, visit the SGN Scoops Facebook page.

For the current issue of SGN Scoops, visit the SGN Scoops main page.

Jesus Lives In Me: A Spotlight on The Taylors

The Taylors

By Justin Gilmore

It is quite clear that Jesus is living in the hearts of these four talented siblings. The Taylors are an award winning mixed quartet hailing from North Carolina, made up of group members Jonathan, Chris, Suzanne and Leslie. True to the call, the Taylors, formed in 2006, continue to release quality recordings featuring their signature four-part family harmonies and the powerful message of Jesus Christ.
From humble beginnings in the heart of North Carolina, this family group has stayed true to their roots and training in classic Southern Gospel singing. Suzanne said this about the group’s early days: “We were not raised on Southern Gospel music; however, a group came to our church in 2005 and told us about the Steve Hurst School of Music in Nashville, TN. In 2006, we started singing some old Gospel songs in our church and some other local churches. We went to the School soon after that and met a lot of great people. Through dedication and the Lord opening a lot of doors, we were blessed to start singing Gospel music.”

Aaron and Suzanne Taylor Hise

Suzanne went on to say: “We started singing together in 2006. We competed in some state singings and opened up for a couple of country shows in nearby towns. Our first out of state concert was in South Carolina and we took our parents minivan. Later on, as dates picked up and we started singing more, we found a 15-passenger van that fit our needs. In 2008, we competed in the talent search at NQC. We were honored to win and sing on the Main Stage that year.”
​The group has received even greater national attention in recent years due to signing with Ernie Haase’s Stow Town Records in 2014. Suzanne, speaking on behalf of the quartet, says the people at Stow Town, “have been so kind to us and really make us feel a part of the Stow Town family.” The group’s label debut release Measure of Grace (2014) showcases their powerhouse vocals and their ability to beautifully deliver the message. This landmark recording features songs including: “Heaven Is Ready (And Waiting For Me),” “I’m Committed To You Lord,” “Measure Of Grace,” and more.
This project is a great balance of traditional and progressive style Gospel. Suzanne said, “We released “Measure of Grace” last summer. We recorded the CD with Wayne Haun. He is an incredible producer and we loved working with him. This is our first project with a majority of original songs. We had wanted to do a CD like this for a long time, so the songs on this album are meant to be an encouragement. All of the songs talk about what Heaven is going to be like, but they also talk about the mercy God gave each of us as sinners and what it means to be saved by Him.”
​This group is a great representation of the future of Southern Gospel Music in that they bring a fresh youthful energy to these classic songs. When asked about the group dynamics, Suzanne said the following: “The Taylors are a brother-sister quartet. Jonathan is the oldest brother and manages the group. Christopher and I are in the middle, and we are twins. Leslie is the youngest member of the group.”
​Jonathan, the eldest of the siblings in the group, sings lead and brings a powerful yet tender vocal to the mix. Chris Taylor, twin brother of Suzanne, sings the bass part. Though he does not rattle the subwoofers, he provides the anchor for the quartet’s great harmonies and blends well with his siblings. Suzanne Taylor Hise lends her beautiful alto to the group adding another part to the family harmony. Leslie Taylor Perkins adds her soaring soprano vocals to round out the group. She took a brief leave from the group in 2012 during which Lindsey Graham filled the soprano position, but returned the following year. Perkins welcomed a son Isaiah last year with husband and occasional bass vocalist with the group, Aaron Perkins. Aaron has performed with the group on select dates, since his marriage to Leslie, lending his rich bass voice to the stellar mixed quartet.
​The Taylors have been nominated and won numerous awards including: First Place Family Group, NC Singing Convention, and First Place Mixed Quartet, NC Singing Convention in 2007, Grand Champions at the NC Singing Convention, and Talent Showcase Champions at the National Quartet Convention in 2008. In addition, the group has been nominated for Horizon Group of the Year in the Singing News in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Most recently, The Taylors won Favorite New Mixed Group at the Singing News Fan Awards.
​This young quartet has had many amazing experiences in their years of singing Gospel music. They have participated in many missions trips, performed on several television programs, and toured all over the world. When asked about which was the most memorable Hise said, “The most memorable moment of our years in gospel music is when we were singing in Alabama one night. The stage we were singing on had hard wood floors instead of carpet. We all started to walk down the steps to greet the crowd and Leslie’s feet slipped right out from under her. Half of the audience gasped and half of the audience laughed. It was quite a moment.” It is crazy moments like this that make it exciting for the group.
​It is now 2015 and this incredible ministry driven family shows no signs of slowing down. The future is bright for these four as they plan to record a new DVD and CD soon and will continue to perform to crowds all over the country. Hise says, “Our mission statement is that we want the world to see Jesus lives in us. That is why our mom wrote our song, “I Want The World To See, Jesus Lives In Me”. We hope that through our ministry, people’s lives would be changed and that they would leave our concerts encouraged and uplifted. Jesus is our Savior and we want everyone to know him as his or her personal Savior. We would hope that everyone reading this knows Jesus as their Savior, but if they don’t here’s how they can pray a short but sincere prayer like this, “Dear Jesus, please forgive me for my sins. Thank you for loving me and dying on the cross to pay for my sins. Lord, I ask that you come into my heart and save me. Amen”.”​
I want the world to see Jesus lives in me! What a great statement! As I said before, Jesus lives in the hearts of the Taylor siblings without a doubt!

For more on the Taylors visit their website.

By Justin Gilmore

First published by SGN Scoops in May 2015.

For current issues visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.

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