Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

2017 Diamond Awards honor Triumphant, Kelly Nelon

Written by Staff on November 2, 2017 – 9:37 am -

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (November 2, 2017) — The Creekside Gospel Music Convention honoured many national and regional Gospel artists on Tues. Oct. 31. The 2017 Diamond Awards were hosted by Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff. Guest artists appearing during the evening included the Hyssongs, Wilbanks and Williamsons. Jean and Ken Grady from Gospel Music Today worked with Rob Patz, owner of SGNScoops, to produce the 2017 Diamond Awards. WATC TV from Atlanta, Georgia, filmed the event for a future special.

 

And the winners for the 2017 Diamond Awards are…

The J.D. Sumner Living Legend: Brian Free

Mixed Group of the Year: The Williamsons

Quartet of the Year: Triumphant Quartet

Trio of the Year: The Hyssongs

Duet of the Year: Broken Vessels

Female Vocalist of the Year: Kelly Nelon Clark

Male Vocalist of the Year: Jason Crabb

Sunrise Award: Matt Felts

Sunrise Trio of the Year: Sacred Harmony

Sunrise Quartet of the Year: Old time Preachers Quartet

Song of the Year: “Somebody’s Miracle” – Brian Free and Assurance

Album of the Year: “Nature’s Symphony in 432” – The Isaacs

Christian Country Group of the Year: Mark209

Anthony Burger Instrumentalist of the Year: Jeff Stice

 

Dottie Rambo Songwriter of the Year: Kenna West

Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year: “This Ole’ House of Mine” – Heaven’s Mountain Band

Bluegrass Gospel Song of the Year: “I’ll Ride This Ship to Shore” – Heaven’s Mountain Band

Bluegrass Gospel Male Artist of the Year: Tim Maze

Bluegrass Gospel Female Artist of the Year: Debra Wilson

Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year: Eagle’s Wings

 

Gospel Music Today Video/DVD of the Year: “Live in Bessemer” – New Ground

Favorite Industry Website: WATC TV Channel 57

Paul Heil Award for Broadcasting: Mickey Bell – WXIC

Publisher’s Choice Award: John Whisnant

 

 

Congratulations to each of the Diamond Award winners and nominees. The 2018 Creekside Gospel Music Convention and Diamond Awardsill be held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2018 at the Smoky Mountain Resort, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information contact event convener and Coastal Media CEO, Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

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Tags: 2017 Creekside Gospel music Convention, 2017 Diamond Awards, brian free, Eric Bennett, gospel music, hyssongs, jason clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, Kenna West, Mark209, nelons, Triumphant Qt
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Joseph Habedank “welcomes” fans to get any early glimpse of “Welcome Home”

Written by SGN Scoops Staff on June 9, 2014 – 1:50 pm -

(Hendersonville, TN) Award-winning singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank will give fans a preview of his debut project with Daywind Records before it’s even released to the public. Nashville’s Rocketown will be the venue as Habedank holds a pre-release concert for “Welcome Home” on Tuesday, July 1 at 7 p.m.

Habedank co-wrote all 11 songs on the project, which was produced by Ricky Free. “Welcome Home,” is set to be released on July 22.

Free, legendary songwriter Dave Clark, and co-writers Tony Wood, Sue C. Smith, Kenna West, Benji Cowart and Lee Black will all be in attendance at the pre-release concert, with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the stories behind the songs being conveyed to those in attendance. In addition to those well-respected individuals, there will also be a special surprise guest who will join in on the festivities.

“Excited does not even begin to express how much I am looking forward to this night,” emphasized Habedank. “I have spent so much time pouring myself into this project, from the birth of the songs with an unbelievably-talented cast of co-writers that I have been blessed to work with to watching them come alive musically in the studio. I look forward to sharing my heart through the unveiling of these songs, and what’s going to make that even better is that I’m going to get to spend this special evening with my colleagues, family, friends, and fans.”

Tickets for the event are limited as less than 100 will be sold. Each ticket will include a free pre-release version of “Welcome Home.”

Tickets are available by visiting www.josephhabedank.com.

Tags: Benji Cowart, Joseph Habedank, Kenna West, Sue C. Smith
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The Pelfreys Distribute Debut Single, “Glorious,” To Radio

Written by SGN Scoops on February 3, 2014 – 7:12 am -

HIXSON, Tenn. (Jan. 31, 2014) – Dynamic vocal trio the Pelfreys have released their first single, entitled “Glorious,” to Southern Gospel radio. It’s the group’s first release since they reformed following Jerry Pelfrey’s departure from the award-winning Gold City quartet in October. Pelfrey was featured on Gold City’s hit single “Lord of Life,” which reached the No. 2 position on the Singing News Magazine Top-80 Chart in November of 2012.

“Glorious” is an up-beat, high-energy single that was produced by David Staton and written by Staton, Kenna West and Lee Black. “Glorious” is the first release from the Pelfreys’ upcoming project, “Who Is Jesus To You?”

“We just want people to catch on to the fact of who Jesus is,” Jerry Pelfrey – the group’s manager – explained. “There was a huge fad of What What Would Jesus Do over the past few years. Our question is, how are you going to know what He would do unless you know who He is? We want this song to point people to Him and to get to know Him more.”

The Pelfreys are comprised of lead singer Jerry Pelfrey, Jerry’s wife and alto singer Mikki Johnson Pelfrey and Jerry’s sister and soprano singer Kim Pelfrey VanHoozier.

Positive responses are already flooding in regarding “Glorious.” “It sounds awesome,” Randy Catoe – the general manager of WSTS 100.9 The Cross in Fairmont N.C. – emphasized. “I love the fact that the song is God-glorifying and Christ-exalting.” WSTS 100.9 The Cross on-air personality Brandon “Monk” Boone added, “I absolutely love the song. The harmonies are incredibly tight with a complex arrangement. It is a spot-on radio single if I’ve ever heard one. If I turn that on, I’m locking in. It uplifts and honors God.”

Staton is producing “Who Is Jesus To You?” It is targeted for a spring release. “Glorious” was sent to all Southern Gospel-charting radio stations in January. It is on Staton’s RPM Compilation, Volume 1. “This song fulfills our mission,” Jerry Pelfrey pointed out. “It reminds us that He is our Glorious Risen Savior and Victorious Mighty King.”

The Pelfreys have performed with the same vocal configuration that the group had when the trio last toured together, in 2008.

For more information on the distribution of the “Glorious,” Staton can be contacted by e-mailing davidstationmusic@gmail.com or by visiting www.davidstaton.com.

 

For more information on the Pelfreys, for information in regard to the release of the single or for booking information, visit the group’s web site at www.thepelfreysonline.com or e-mail jerrywpelfrey@yahoo.com.

 

Tags: Glorious, Jerry Pelfrey, Kenna West, Kim Pelfrey Van Hoozier, Lee Black, Mikki Johnson Pelfrey, Southern Gospel News, The Pelfreys, WSTS
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Daywind To Release Single On Award-Winning Songwriter, Kenna Turner West

Written by SGN Scoops on October 22, 2013 – 9:20 am -

Nashville, TN (October 21, 2013) Five-time Dove Award-nominee and three-time AGM/SGN “Songwriter of the Year” Kenna Turner West is headed to radio with the release of her first Daywind single entitled “Be Still and Know.”

Known primarily for penning chart-topping songs such as “Calvary’s Cry,” “Ask Me Why,” and “Revival,” the list of artists who have recorded her songs reads like a veritable “who’s who” of the gospel music industry, including Jason Crabb, The Booth Brothers, Brian Free and Assurance, Karen Peck and New River, Gordon Mote, The Martins, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Legacy Five, The Bowling Family, and many more.

Music runs in the family for Kenna, the daughter-in-law of country music legend Dottie West and the daughter of former Blackwood Brothers bass singer, Ken Turner. For thirty years, the author and certified counselor has blended music, devotional teaching, and humor into a ministry that has reached around the world serving alongside Christian leaders such as Franklin Graham and Dr. Jerry Falwell at venues ranging from The Pentagon to NASCAR chapels to the local church.

With an impressive seven #1 songs to her credit, thirteen “Song of the Year” nominations, and two “Song of the Year” wins, the Daywind staff writer is thrilled about the release of her first radio single in Gospel music, “Be Still and Know,” which hits the airwaves in November. “We couldn’t be more proud of her or more grateful to her Source,” states Rick Shelton, Vice President of Daywind Publishing.

For more information about Kenna Turner West go to

www.KennaTurnerWest.com or https://www.facebook.com/kenna.t.west .

You can reach her by E-mail at booking@westhouseonline.com .

Tags: daywind, Easters, gordon mote, Jason Crabb, karen peck and new river, Kenna West, Southern Gospel News, The Martins
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Freemans Enter Agreement With AG Publicity

Written by SGN Scoops Staff on October 20, 2013 – 4:07 pm -

Nashville, TN Renowned family group, the Freemans, have come to an agreement with AG Publicity to assist them in the promotion of their new CD ‘Voice In The Desert’ as well as representing them as an important voice in the world of Gospel music.

Pamela Unthank of AG Publicity stated “When I heard them sing ‘Voice In the Desert’ at the AGM Awards Celebration I not only loved the song, but loved the conviction in Chris’ presentation. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work in helping to promote a group and a CD that has personally touched me.”

“Voice In The Desert”, written by Kenna West, Lee Black and Jason Cox, is not only the title song, but the first single from the project. Writer Kenna West said “I have been a fan of The Freemans for many years, so to hear them sing ‘Voice In The Desert’ is such a thrill.” West continued “I recently heard them sing it live, and the powerhouse vocals of Chris were absolutely explosive. Everyone in the building was on their feet.”

This project has some great new songs as well as a couple of classics in the old Imperials tune “Water Grave”, sang by the youngsters Caylon “Cage” Freeman and Misty Freeman Callaway and “John The Revelator” performed by the Queen of Gospel Music herself, Chris Freeman.

Darrell Freeman commented “We have known the Unthanks many years and are confident they will work exceptionally hard to make sure Gospel music fans will know what is happening with the Freemans”

The Freemans are an exciting Gospel group made up of family members Chris and Darrell Freeman, son Caylon and daughter Misty. as well as Darrell’s cousin Joe Freeman. Their close family harmony and emotional presentations bring them new fans everywhere they sing.

Tags: Kenna West, Lee Black, Southern Gospel Music, Southern Gospel News, the freemans
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Song Garden releases “Words” by Canaan’s Crossing

Written by SGN Scoops on September 30, 2013 – 2:19 pm -

September 27, 2013 (Arab, AL) Song Garden recording artist Canaan’s Crossing has released their first recording in three years titled “Words”.   “Words”, produced by David Staton, is the follow up to their recording “Beautifully Broken” which garnered 3 Top 10 releases and an industry award for “Dying to Live”.   Group spokesperson Tim Maze stated “we believe the wait was worth it because we were able to collect 10 great songs from many of the industries noted writers such as Kenna West, Ashley Welborn and The Easter Brothers plus, it allowed a couple of our members,  Drew Long and Josh Palmer to hone their songwriting craft with two songs that are included the CD”.

 The song, “Somebody’s Blessing” co-written by Kenna West will be soon be the first radio single.

 Canaan’s Crossing was the recipient of the 2011 Front Porch Fellowship Song of the Year award for their song “Dying to Live” plus 2011 New Artist of the Year.  Since signing with Song Garden Music Group in 2006, they have scored several songs to reach the national charts including “Middle Man” which reached the #1 position in February 2013.

 

Tags: Canaan's Crossing, Kenna West, Middle Man, Song Garden Music, Southern Gospel News
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AARON & AMANDA CRABB CONTINUE MILESTONE YEAR WITH MULTIPLE AWARD NOMINATIONS

Written by SGN Scoops on August 29, 2013 – 9:47 am -

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Continuing a milestone year following the April release of their critically-acclaimed fourth recording, Mercy, singer/songwriters and worship leaders Aaron & Amanda Crabb recently garnered four Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award nominations, as well as a top award nomination from the Inspirational Country Music Association (ICM).

The couple earned a Dove Award nomination in the prestigious Song of The Year category for “Take Him To The Place,” which they wrote and recorded. “I’m Learning,” recorded by the duo and penned by Lee Black, Michael Fordinal and Kenna West, is also nominated for Song of the Year, making Aaron & Amanda Crabb the only artist to have recorded two songs nominated in this category. Song of the Year nominees also include “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”; “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)”; “Forgiveness”; and “Redeemed,” among others.

In addition, Mercy received a Dove Award nomination for Country Album of the Year, while the couple’s debut mainstream country single, “I’m Learning,” is nominated for Country Song of the Year. Aaron & Amanda Crabb’s multi-format Christian radio single, “Take Him To The Place,” is among the nominees for Inspirational Song of the Year. The 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be presented October 15 in Nashville.

The Inspirational Country Music Association also recently announced finalists for the 19th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards. Aaron & Amanda Crabb are nominated for Vocal Duo, alongside such artists as The Roys and Branded, among others. This year’s ICM Awards will be held in Nashville October 24 at the close of ICM Faith, Family & Country Week (www.faithfamilycountry.com).

Aaron & Amanda Crabb’s Mercy bowed April 23 from Difference Media (Capitol Christian Distribution) and was co-produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs). Featuring 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the duo, the project pays tribute to their storied Southern Gospel heritage and a range of Inspirational influences.

Aaron Crabb gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Crabb Family, one of the most popular acts in Southern Gospel music with more than 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY® nominations to their credit. After the group disbanded in 2007, Aaron and his wife Amanda released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End—prior to the release of Mercy. The couple also serves as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

For further information, visit www.differencemedia.org orwww.turningpointpr.com.

Tags: Aaron and Amanda Crabb, Ben Isaacs, cornerstone Church, Crabb Family, DIFFERENCE MEDIA, Dove Awards, JOHN HAGEE, Kenna West, Lee Black, Michael Fordinal
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Karen Peck and New River Signs Long Term Recording and Publishing Agreement with Daywind Records

Written by SGN Scoops on August 15, 2013 – 1:19 pm -

(Hendersonville, Tenn.) August 14, 2013 – Karen Peck and New River has signed a multi-year recording and publishing agreement with Daywind Records, continuing a relationship between the two that has resulted in many wonderful achievements.

The most recent collaboration “Revival,” releases on 8/27/13 and is perhaps the group’s best recording to date. The songwriting was amped up with the addition of Michael Farren, Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox, Sue Smith, and more. Most exciting is that Karen Peck herself co-wrote songs on the album, including the first single, “Revival.” The Wayne Haun production features wonderful songs about the love and grace of Christ in New River’s award-winning southern and country style. Karen Peck, accompanied by Michael Farren and Kenna Turner West, performed another song from the recording, “Finish Well,” to a standing ovation at the recent BMI Songwriter’s Showcase at the Gospel Music Association’s Immerse event.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Karen, Susan, and Jeff. They are about ministry and are spilling over with talent. God continues to bless their steps and find ways to use them for His glory. We are excited about the future,” said Ed Leonard, president of Daywind Records.

Karen Peck added, “we are very honored to be a part of the Daywind family. We are excited about what The Lord has in store for our future together!”

Karen Peck and New River have been blessed with numerous awards and nominations. The group won two Dove Awards in 2012 and has several Singing News Fan Awards and Absolutely Gospel Awards to their credit. Recent years have seen multiple albums nominated for Grammy Awards, many appearances on the Gaither Homecoming tour, and a feature film role for Karen (“Joyful Noise”).

For more information on Karen Peck and New River, please visit www.karenpeckandnewriver.com.

Daywind Records is home to great artists such as Brian Free and Assurance, Adam Crabb, and the Perrys. Daywind is distributed to retail through New Day Christian Distributors, Select O Hits and all major digital outlets. For more information, visit www.daywindrecords.com.

Tags: bmi, daywind, Karen Peck, karen peck and new river, Kenna West, Michael Farren, Southern Gospel Music, Southern Gospel News, Sue C. Smith, Wayne Haun
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AARON & AMANDA CRABB JOIN SUPERSTAR LINE-UP FOR ‘SUNDAY MORNIN’ COUNTRY

Written by SGN Scoops on June 3, 2013 – 2:07 pm -

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Acclaimed gospel/country duo and Difference Media recording artist Aaron & Amanda Crabb will be a featured performer at “Sunday Mornin’ Country®,” one of the longest-running events held during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. To be presented at the Grand Ole Opry® House Sunday, June 9 at 2:30 pm, this year’s lineup includes The Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, Roy Clark, Lulu Roman, and Lynn Anderson, among other country favorites.

Hosted by GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist Linda Davis and Grand Ole Opry® member George Hamilton IV, “Sunday Mornin’ Country®” features performances and testimonies from some of country music’s legendary figures and best-loved vocalists. The 2013 celebration marks the event’s 34th year.

Aaron & Amanda Crabb are slated to perform “I’m Learning” on the stage of the legendary Grand Ole Opry® House during the show. Penned by Lee Black, Michael Fordinal, and Kenna West, “I’m Learning” is the debut country single from the duo’s critically acclaimed Mercy, which released in April.

A member of Southern Gospel’s legendary Crabb Family, Aaron Crabb and his wife Amanda have released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End. Their latest effort, Mercy, features 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the couple, including the multi-format Christian radio single “Take Him To The Place.” Aaron & Amanda Crabb serve as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.

Tickets for “Sunday Mornin’ Country®” are available via Ticketmaster; at the Opry Box Office ($20 advance); or at the door ($25). For further information on Aaron & Amanda Crabb, visit www.differencemedia.org orwww.turningpointpr.com. Follow them on Twitter @aaroncrabb79 and @amandascrabb.

Tags: Aaron and Amanda Crabb, George HamiltonIV, Kenna West, Lee Black, Michael Fordinal, Southern Gospel News, sunday mornin' country
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MERCY UNVEILS AARON & AMANDA CRABB’S POIGNANT, POWERFUL JOURNEY

Written by SGN Scoops on March 12, 2013 – 3:20 pm -

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Mercy, the fourth recording from Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriters and worship leaders Aaron & Amanda Crabb, is set to bow April 23 from Difference Media (Capitol Christian Distribution). Co-produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs), Mercy features 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the duo, while paying tribute to their storied Southern Gospel heritage and a range of Inspirational influences.

Acclaimed as “Ones To Watch in 2013” by GMCtv online, Aaron & Amanda Crabb co-wrote six selections, including the worshipful “Holy” and the debut multi-format Christian radio single, “Take Him to the Place,” a deeply personal anthem of Hope and healing penned during a trip to Israel.

Mercy is also highlighted by the album’s debut mainstream country single, “I’m Learning,” written by Lee Black, Michael Fordinal and Kenna West. The song has already been embraced by such stations around the country as Winslow, Arizona’s KINO, WEAG in Starke, Florida, and WKRO in Cairo, Illinois, among others.

“We heard it and immediately thought, ‘That’s just us,’” says Aaron Crabb of “I’m Learning.” “We’re learning life as we live it and learning the things that matter and the things that don’t. The most important thing is your family and your relationship with God because things on this earth one day are going to pass away, but He will be forever.”

“We love all styles, so you’ll hear a lot of different influences on the album,” Crabb continues. “I’m a country boy, and those roots probably come through more than anything else. These songs came at the right season in our life. God molded this album and shaped it to what it needs to be and I believe it’s going to help a lot of people.”

Aaron Crabb gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Crabb Family, one of the most popular acts in Southern Gospel music with more than 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY® nominations to their credit. Since the group disbanded in 2007, Aaron & Amanda have released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End. The couple serve as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

Difference Media recently signed an exclusive distribution deal with Capitol Christian Distribution (formerly EMI CMG Distribution). Mercy will be the label’s inaugural release under the new agreement.

For further information, visit www.differencemedia.org or www.turningpointpr.com.

Tags: Aaron Crabb, Amanda Crabb, Ben Isaacs, Capitol Christian Distribution, cornerstone Church, DIFFERENCE MEDIA, emi cmg distribution, GMCtv, John Hagee Ministries, Kenna West, Lee Black, Southern Gospel Music, The Crabb Family
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