Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Jerry Martin Resigns From The Kingdom Heirs

Jerry Martin Resigns From The Kingdom Heirs

Longtime tenor, Jerry Martin resigns his position with the Kingdom Heirs.  A position he has held since 2011.  During his time with the Kingdom Heirs, the group experienced a lot of chart success with several #1 and top 5 songs as well as 3 consecutive #1 debut albums.

Jerry states, “Being with the Kingdom Heirs was a dream job for me!  Getting to take the stage with these elite singers and musicians has been fun and rewarding.  My decision to resign and basically retire from performing was a hard decision as I have been singing professionally for 28 years.  It’s something I never took lightly and I can say that I am very proud of the work I did in this industry.  

Along the way, I have been blessed to be apart of some great groups. I got my start with the Lumber River Quartet, the Melodyaires, and a brief stint with Mended Wings. I had the privilege to sing with my favorite group the Kingsmen (once a Kingsmen, always a Kingsmen), my hometown boys, the Dove Brothers, and ending up with the Kingdom Heirs.  This is the group I wanted to retire with and that is exactly what I am doing.  I’ve gotten to travel all over the US and several different countries during my career.  I’ve met a lot of great friends along the way and seen some really cool things that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t climb on a tour bus and travel from city to city, state to state, etc. for 17 years.  I got to see many lives changed through music and to me that’s what it’s all about.   

The Kingdom Heirs will find the right man for the position and they will move forward to even greater heights.  I know the fans will give the new man all the love and support they gave me when I first started. 

Now, I’m sure some are asking the question, what am I going to be doing or where am I going?  Well, some of you may know that I started my own vocal academy in 2018.  It has been very successful and I’m proud to say it has been helping a lot of singers and entertainers not only in the southern gospel industry but in many other music industries as well.  When one door closes, God is ready to open up another and that is what has happened. You just have to have the faith to step through them!  

Martins Vocal Academy will be opening up its doors full time as I will be transitioning into a teaching and coaching role.  I have been blessed to have students locally and abroad enrolling in the academy and the list keeps growing.  As I make this transition and open up the academy full time, I will be able to serve more people and our community in ways that I couldn’t before.  This is very important to me as I enjoy being apart of our community and now I’ll be able to serve our performing arts and music community in a greater capacity.  I’ll also be able to help my wife Tabitha more with our insurance business, Martins Insurance Solutions as we are both licensed.   

I am truly grateful to have had a career of 28 years performing and singing and it is a little bittersweet to finally step away from the stage.  I am excited though to work in MVA and take on more students.  Preparing students and helping them hone their skills and talents and watching them succeed is very rewarding to me and something that I am passionate about!  

My last official date and the last time I take the stage with the guys will be January 3rd at Dollywood.  Thank you all for your love, kindness, and support throughout my career and please keep the guys in your prayers as they find the right man for the tenor position.  It has been an honor serving with these men.   

May God bless you all!  I love each and every one of you!” 

Jerry Martin

“We want to wish Jerry and his family much success in their future endeavors and he will certainly remain a lifelong friend of our group.  If we could ask one thing from all of you, please pray for us and The Martin family as we all seek God’s will for our future.  From the songs of Jerry Martin…. We will all pick up the “Pieces” and move on because “I Can Pray” and say “Thank You.”  God bless you Jerry, we love you.”
Kreis French : Kingdom Heirs Manager

We will not be taking auditions at this time.

UPDATED!! NQC Spring Break To Be Held April 23 & 24, 2020

NQC – The National Quartet Convention

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (March 24, 2020) – NQC (the National Quartet Convention) has announced that NQC’s Spring Break festival will now be held on April 23 & 24, 2020. The fourth annual event will once again be held at First Baptist Church in Sevierville, TN. Produced by NQC – Gospel Music’s Largest annual event drawing nearly 40,000 from 40 states and half dozen foreign countries to its annual fall festival at the end of September – NQC Spring Break is designed to give gospel music fans a taste of the big fall convention and give gospel music fans an opportunity to enjoy the Smoky Mountains in the Spring as well as the fall.

Featured on the event this year will be last year’s biggest winners at the annual Singing New Fan Awards, the Triumphant Quartet as well as Dollywood’s host group, the Kingdom Heirs, both of whom reside in Sevier County. Also featured will be many artists often featured on the popular Gaither Homecoming series such as the Hoppers, Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, Jim & Melissa Brady along with the very popular Primitive Quartet and Singing News Fan Awards two-time Soloist of the Year, Joseph Habedank.

In addition to these popular Gospel Music artists, the event will also feature an appearance by the East Tennessee Mass Choir featuring the choir members of First Baptist Sevierville, and several other area choirs. Being lead by First Baptist Sevierville Worship Pastor, Scott Andrews, the choirs will be performing a special to open the second half as well as singing with several of the featured artists.

A packed house at 2019’s NQC Spring Break in Sevierville, TN. Photo by Chip Woods

NQC organizers are set to make an exciting announcement about the future of the Spring event during both the Thursday night and Friday night performances.

The event takes place April 23 & 24, 2020 at First Baptist Sevierville.  Door open at 4:00 and the concerts start at 6:00 p.m. each night.  Additional information can be found at www.nqconline.com

Congratulations to The Kingdom Heirs and The SGN Scoops Top 100 March 2020

Song Title                                           Artist____

1. Come To The Well              Kingdom Heirs/Crossroads

2. Name Above All Names Guardians/StowTown
3. You Are Loved Jeff &Sheri Easter/Gaither Music
4. Keep Me Close Whisnants/UIA
5. I’ve Ever Been Glad Kingsmen/Crossroads
6. God Says You Can Hyssongs/Chapel Valley
7. When God Says Wait Browders/Dream Big Music
8. Sometimes It’s The Radio Joseph Habedank/Daywind
9. A Lot With A Little 11th Hour/Crossroads
10. The Healer Hasn’t Lost His Touch Tribute Quartet/Daywind
11. Love Still Flows Taylors/StowTown
12. Can I Get A Witness The Sound/Daywind
13. Go Ask Moses Mark Trammell Quartet/Crimson Road
14. Ready To Know Lore Family/Crossroads
15. One More Reason Old Time Preachers Quartet/Butler Music Group
16. 33 Wilburn & Wilburn/Daywind
17. Follow Me To The Cross Jim & Melissa Brady/Daywind
18. This Storm Brian Free & Assurance/Daywind
19. Power Of An Empty Tomb Erwins/StowTown
20. Walking Through Fire Ernie Haase & Signature Sound/StowTown
21. It’s A Beautiful Day Mark Bishop/Crossroads
22. You’ve Arrived Greater Vision/Daywind
23. Robes of Pure White Williamsons/Family Music Group
24. What Can Change The World Sunday Drive/Crossroads
25. Hallelujah March Heart 2 Heart/Family Music Group
26. Children Go Where I Send Thee Down East Boys/Crossroads
27. If God Pulled Back The Curtain Nelons/ Daywind
28. The God I Serve Karen Peck & New River/Daywind
29. It Never Gets Old Perrys/StowTown
30. Glorious God Lauren Talley/ Crossroads
31. When I Turn To You Jason Crabb/ Daywind
32. I See Revival Crabb Family/ Daywind
33. The People That God Gives You Bowling Family/River Hill Music
34. Just As Blessed Josh and Ashley Franks/Independent
35. What Only God Can Do Michael Booth/Daywind
36. Let It Be The Cross Carolina Boys/Crossroads
37. Like Jesus Did Three Bridges/Crossroads
38. Come Lord Jesus Justified Quartet/Independent
39. Awesome Power Of Prayer Collingsworth Family/StowTown
40. This Is The Place Gaither Vocal Band/Gaither Music
41. By The Blood Of The Lamb Wilbanks/Patterson Music Group
42. Go Down Again Wisecarvers/Crossroads
43. Alabama Mud Gold City/Sony
44. He’s Already On His Way Littles/Independent
45. I Got The Grace, He Gets The Glory The Old Paths/Crossroads
46. When The Answer Is No Talleys/Crossroads
47. I’m Going To Heaven Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver/Billy Blue Records
48. I Got Saved Diplomats/Independent
49. I Believe The Book Legacy Five/Daywind
50. A Brighter Day Primitive Quartet/Independent
51. I Want To Say Thank You Troy Burns Family/Chapel Valley
52. Rugged Old Cross LeFevre Quartet/Daywind
53. Blank Page Dunaways/Independent
54. Praise The Lord Carroll Roberson/Independent
55. Place Where I Found Grace Woodalls/Patterson Music Group
56. My Last Day Here MARK209/Independent
57. Table Of The King Tim Livingston/Independent
58. Be That Kind Zane & Donna King/ Independent
59. Smell Of Smoke 3 Heath Brothers/Crossroads
60. Well Done My Child Adam Crabb/Daywind

61. More Than Enough Bibletones/Independent
62. Always Gonna Be Selah/Integrity
63. Old Church Choir Hazel Parker Stanley/Independent
64. Reason For The Rain Jay Stone Singers/Crossroads
65. Over The Next Hill Pauline Patterson/Patterson Music Group
66. Three Beating Hearts Steve Hess & Southern Salvation/Mansion
67. He’s Coming Back Master’s Voice/Crossroads
68. Yes Triumphant/StowTown/Sony
69. 3 Nails, 3 Days Greg Sullivan, RPM
70. He Made A Way Chandlers/ Chapel Valley
71. Sing The Blues Away Exodus/Independent
72. Thank God Judith Montgomery Family/ Chapel valley
73. Who I Am Today Melissa Evans/ Chapel Valley
74. Days Like These Martins/Gaither Music
75. That Little Crowded Room Tim Menzies/Daywind
76. Hallelujah For The Cross River’s Edge/Independent
77. He Knows My Name Rochesters/UIA
78. Get Me There Talleys/Crossroads
79. A Song To Remind You Steeles/StowTown
80. One In The Number Sacred Harmony/Patterson Promotions
81. Let’s Carry On New Ground/Independent
82. Movin On Jordan Family Band/Crossroads
83. It’s A Highway To Heaven Endless Highway/Crossroads
84. For Your Glory Battle Cry/Independent
85. I Will Never Grow Tired Of Loving You Charles Black/Patterson Music Group
86. Keep On Praising Ferguson Family/Chapel Valley
87. Walk By Faith Adam’s Family/ Butler Music Group
88. What He’s Done Lately  Millers/Family Music Group
89. My Lord Is taking Good Care Of Me Detty Sisters/Independent
90. Jesus Proved His Love Chronicle/Independant
91. I Will Glory In The Story Austin & Ethan Whisnant/UIA
92. My Kind Of People MARK209/Independent
93. Keeper Of The Well Mercy’s Well/ Independent
94. Be The Witness Chosen/Independent
95. My Life In A Song Dean/Chapel Valley
96. Heaven Soul’d Out Quartet/Crossroads
97. Love Always Finds A Way Johnson Edition/Independent
98. Feeling At Home In The Presence Of Jesus Ivan Parker/UIA
99. You Don’t Wanna Miss This Cana’s Voice/StowTown
100. Great Home Awaiting Sweetwater Revival/Independent

A Southern Gospel Christmas: Christmas Memories from Your Favorite Artists

Santa is with Matt Fouch on his couch celebrating Christmas

It’s that time again. Christmas is a time when family and friends come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift to humankind. While I enjoy opening presents, listening to music, and eating great food, I have realized more and more that none of that matters much compared to Jesus and family.

Over the years my family has struggled financially and experienced loss, but we always manage to have a fun and meaningful holiday season. I will always cherish being with family playing games, eating food, and going to look at Christmas lights. It is my hope that reading the following memories from your favorite Southern gospel artists will get you in the spirit of Christmas and remind you to cherish the time you have with family and friends. 

Merry Christmas…

Matt Fouch (Legacy Five): “Being able to now be the head of my family and read the story of Jesus birth on Christmas Day to my family.”

Inspirations

Matt Dibler (Inspirations): “My favorite Christmas memory was a tradition we had. Every Christmas Eve we would turn out all the lights and use only candles and the lights from the Christmas tree. We would sing Christmas Carols and read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and have family prayer. I think of it every year..”

Jeff and Vickie Collins

Jeff Collins (Producer): “I have several great Christmas memories, as my parents made Christmas very special for my sister and I throughout our childhood. But there was one particular year that was extra special. I was around 11 or 12 years old and had asked Santa Claus for a minibike. After what seemed like years, Christmas Eve arrived, and I was hoping and praying Santa would make my wish come true. Lo and behold, on Christmas morning when Mom and Dad let us come down the hallway and around the corner to the living room, there sat my minibike. I was so happy. I was itching all morning to get outside to ride it, but first we had to open all of our presents, eat breakfast, and then finally go outside. 

We finally got the bike out in the carport and Dad says, ‘Start her up, Jeff.’ This minibike was a bare-bones kind of minibike with a basic Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine. Anyhow, I started pulling on it, trying to start it. I pulled until my arm was like Jell-O. No start. My dad pulled on it for another 30 minutes. A neighbor was there by then, pulled on it for 30 minutes. Man, was I getting frustrated. I should mention here that there is an on and off switch between the handlebars and the seat. We had it in the ‘on’ position. Another neighbor had showed up by now. It was getting close to lunch. He reached down and haphazardly turned the switch to the ‘off’ position, pulled the engine, and it started. Just like that. But finally… I got to ride my minibike. I was one happy 11 year old.”

Arthur Rice

Arthur Rice (Kingdom Heirs): “In the fall of 1987, my dad had a brain aneurysm. I was with the Kingsmen at the time and they had folks praying all over the country. He came out of the surgery great and the only paralysis was his memory. He didn’t know who we were or what had happened. Just before Christmas he said it was like he heard a switch in his head go on and he started remembering us little by little. He was able to come home for Christmas and shortly after that all his memory returned. The Lord gave us 14 more years with him. It was a very thankful Christmas.”

Mark Trammell Quartet

Mark Trammell (Mark Trammell Quartet): “The year my dad and mom went without Christmas so they could buy my first bass guitar. I didn’t know it until years later. Priceless lesson in unselfish lifestyle.”

Brandy and Josh Feemster and friends

Josh Feemster: “I think it would have to be the last Christmas with my grandma. She was so much fun. This particular Christmas she stayed at our house. My dad, brothers and myself went to a Christmas event without my mom and grandma. She just wasn’t feeling well so they decided to stay home. This particular trip was memorable because of the sleeting going on during the drive,kinda rare in Alabama in December. Anyway, it was Christmas Eve and when we got back to our house Santa had already been there. All of our presents were out and Grandma convinced me that she helped him unload them. She was the greatest. We had a great time and I’ll never forget eating her chicken and dressing one last time the next day. Within a month she was in heaven. I don’t really remember what toys I got but I’ll always remember how happy she was to be with us.”

Lisa Williamson (The Williamsons): “When I was 16, my family and I were going through a pretty tough time. My mom had broken her ankle so our spirits were down. We hated to even ask, but my sister Rachel and I really wanted a PlayStation for Christmas. We didn’t want to get our hopes up, but we sure were hoping to see that thing under the tree on Christmas morning. A week or so before Christmas, Mom came into the living room on her crutches wearing a brand new tee shirt. The back of it had a very bright, colorful, and recognizable logo…PlayStation. We kept asking her where she got her shirt, but all she would do was smile. Needless to say, we opened a PlayStation on Christmas morning.”

Randy and Caroline Crawford

Randy Crawford (Formerly of The Kingsmen): “Not so much a memory as it is something I miss. My grandmother on my father’s side always used to have a “sock” for us grandkids. It truly was a sock. But it was filled with fruits, candy, and old fashioned peppermint stick candy. We used to cut a hole in our oranges and suck the juice out through the peppermint candy. I miss my grandmother so much, and love she put into our ‘socks’.”

Ben, Maria, Elizabeth Wolfe

Maria Kramer Wolfe (The Kramers): “My favorite Christmas memory, or tradition, is putting up the Christmas tree while listening to traditional Christmas music and baking Christmas cookies. I love family time the most, so getting together with family during the Christmas season is a rich blessing.”

Steve Ladd

Steve Ladd (The Old Paths): “My favorite Christmas memory is my first Christmas as a father. Christmas took on a whole new meaning to me since then… my children’s face and the excitement made me not care if I ever got another gift.”

November 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Tammy Burns (Troy Burns Family): “My favorite Christmas memory was 1974. My oldest brother got married right after Christmas and our whole family was together for the last time on this earth. It seemed like it was the happiest time we had ever had with family and friends. That next year my little brother, Tommy, went home to be with the Lord after battling cancer for 12 years. He was only 12. I will always cherish that Christmas.”

Judy Nelon: “Rex and I had been dating a while. We spent a few days with his 98-year-old mom and his other family members in his hometown Asheville, N. C., during Christmas. It was the sweetest time. We exchanged gifts and it was interesting –  we gave each other exactly the same Christmas card, he bought his in Atlanta and I bought mine in Nashville. It said ‘Only You.’ We knew from the start we were a match. As he was driving me back to Nashville we stopped in Waffle House. He asked if I had expected a engagement ring for Christmas and I was honest and said. ‘Yes, I did.’ He said, ‘Okay then, will you marry me?’ He had plans for a ring but he couldn’t wait. He was the funniest, sweetest and most unique man. I’ll always love Rex Nelon.”

Les Butler

Les Butler (Butler Music Group): “Christmas 1971, I was nine. My parents bought me an upright piano. Little did I know that instrument would play such an integral part in my life.”

Riley Harrison Clark (Tribute Quartet): “Every year while growing up in Oklahoma, my family went to Silver Dollar City for Christmas. So many memories were made and even more funnel cakes were eaten. Going there is a Christmas tradition I will never forget.”

Stephen Adair (Dixie Echoes): “One year my dad was in the hospital after a series of strokes during the Christmas season. He was still in the hospital on Christmas Day, so my mom and I packed up all of the gifts that were under the tree and took them to his hospital room. We had Christmas there complete with hot chocolate, the Macy’s Christmas Day Parade, and the best hospital food we could find. We were together, and that’s what made that Christmas so special.”

Bob Sellers

Bob Sellers (Soloist): “When I was about 10 years old, my parents asked my sister and I to clean out our closets of any toys, clothing, etc. that we could live without (only good stuff), and we took it to this one room cinder block home where a family with about six or eight kids lived. My dad had cut them a load of firewood and we gave them that, plus all the stuff my sister and I had put together. I’ll never forget the look on those kids’ and their parent’s faces. They were about our same age, and although we were far from wealthy, they looked at us and my parents like we were angels or something. I guess to them we were, at least that year. I’m thankful for godly, loving parents who instilled the true meaning of Christmas in me.”

Nic Holland (Poet Voices): “Probably my last Christmas with my mom before she died, 2003. We knew she didn’t have long to live and enjoyed every second of just being together. I have no memory of one single present I got that year but my time with Mom I’ll never forget.”

The Oak Ridge Boys

Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys): “My wife gave birth to Jamie, our baby girl, on Dec. 13. Early on Christmas morning, Norah Lee slipped out of bed, dressed Jamie up real pretty, put her in her little portable bed and placed her under the Christmas tree. Then, Norah Lee came back to the bedroom, woke me up and led me to the living room to see my Christmas present.”

Scott Brand (Gold City): “I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to one. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. When I was a kid, my grandparents, along with my great grandmother, would come spend four or five days with us around Christmas. The Brand tradition was to cook a ham in Coca Cola all night on Christmas Eve. I can still to this day smell that cooking through the house. Just family getting together and keeping traditions alive would be my Christmas memories as a kid.”

Jordan Family Band

Randa Jordan (Jordan Family Band): “I was eight years old, and money was something we never had much of. I knew that Daddy and Mama didn’t have enough money to go out and buy me and my brother new toys, and yet somehow I was okay with that. I was a dreamer, and I enjoyed the most simple things that surrounded me. We lived in what seemed like to me the most wonderful apartment in downtown Rome. Two stories, hardwood floors, a screened in back porch, huge living room, and the front yard was next to the busy road where the town’s bus and trolley would pass throughout the day. I loved that apartment so much. The staircase was huge to me and I loved dressing up and and walking up and down them like a princess out of a fairy tail book. The morning of Christmas, 1989, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my brother and I woke up, and at the direction of Daddy and Mama, we waited on the big staircase till they instructed us to come into the living room. Bubbling with joy and wearing my little white gown and house shoes, I walked into a living room that was covered in gifts. Clothes, toys, games everywhere. The couches and chairs were covered, items set up all across the floor and gifts under the tree. It was like a dream. Dad and Mom had went “yard sale-ing” and “goodwill-ing” and loaded up without spending much at all. That was one of the best days of my life.”

Sarah Davison (HighRoad): “When I was a young girl we had a huge snowstorm come through – probably 13-14 inches of snow – and it was so heavy that we lost power for several days including Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I remember Dad firing up the wood stove and Mom making homemade soup on top of the wood stove. We played board games and got some old hymnals out and gathered around the piano. It was the most quiet, peaceful Christmas I can remember and by far my favorite one too.”

Nathan and Amber Nelon Kistler

Amber Nelon Kistler (The Nelons): “My favorite Christmas memory is sitting around the table playing games with my whole family and grandparents at their house. Then eating the dinner my grandmama cooked …twice a year… Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Compiled by Justin Gilmore

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in December 2018

Albums by The Kingdom Heirs and 11th Hour are now available from Sonlite Records

Arden, North Carolina (September 27, 2019) — On two new albums from Sonlite Records, The Kingdom Heirs (website HERE) and 11th Hour (,website HERE) show their dynamic talents and passion for spreading the word of God with their music. The Kingdom Heirs’ Everything In Between and 11th Hour’s A Lot With A Little are available now.

On Everything In Between, The Kingdom Heirs illustrate why they’ve been noted as one of the top quartets in Southern Gospel music. The album features full quartet tunes, a cappella hymns and lively instrumentals. Each style lifts up praise to the Lord for all He’s done for us on Earth.

The album begins with “Just Drink The Water,” a new song from the pens of Lee Black, Gina Boe and Jerry Salley about wanting to be a witness of Christ’s love and spreading His message. The title track reminds that no matter what happens in life, Jesus is the first, last and everything in between. With an upbeat, country feel, this song features bass vocalist Jeff Chapman on the verses with the group joining on the chorus, and embodies the heart of Southern Gospel traditions.

The Kingdom Heirs’ instrumental work shines on their rendition of “Sweet By And By,” a classic hymn immediately recognizable with the joyful piano of Andy Stringfield. “Holy, Holy Is What The Angels Sing,” sung a cappella, is an old church hymn that tells of the joy salvation will bring and what it will be like to join the choir of angels. Everything In Between closes with “High On Zion’s Mountain” a powerful song penned by one of the group’s favorite writers, Dianne Wilkinson. With grand music, it tells of the glorious day when we reach Heaven and the beauty that will be found there.

With their vocal and instrumental abilities, The Kingdom Heirs praise and worship the Lord with each song on Everything In Between. Whether it’s a compelling song with the full group, a moving instrumental or a smooth a cappella tune, this album has something for each listener looking to lift up the Lord and His message.

Listen to Everything In Between HERE.

With mighty expressions of worship and quiet moments of surrender, 11th Hour puts a spotlight on what God can do with a little trust and a lot of faith on their latest album, A Lot With A Little. The album is a heartfelt statement of the group members’ passion to use their talents to serve the Lord.

A Lot With A Little kicks off on a high note with the title track and first single. With powerful vocals from Amber Eppinette and a high-energy driving feel, “A Lot With A Little” recalls how Jesus made miracles happen without having much to work with, a lesson we can use in our own lives. It doesn’t take much to experience God’s goodness in life. Eppinette’s vocals shine again on “Bring On The Storm,” a song about remembering life’s trials are about growing in relationships with oneself and God.

11th Hour couples these high-energy songs with others that create peaceful moments of stillness. Led by alto Jaquita Lindsey, “Always On His Mind” details how God serves our needs in all areas of life, whether joyful or sad. Later, “How Much Broken Is Enough,” describes feelings of desperation, without an end in sight. But don’t fear — God is a healer.

11th Hour’s newest member, tenor Logan Smith, shines on “Love Don’t” and “Love Leaves A Mark,” both about the enduring nature of love, which knows no bounds and will always be present in the world.

A Lot With A Little shows the range Eppinette, Lindsey and Smith bring to the music they create. With a focus on uplifting the Lord, 11th Hour will inspire audiences to praise and worship with all they have.

Listen to A Lot With A Little HERE.

About The Kingdom Heirs

From the Mountains of East Tennessee, Southern Gospel Music fills the air and is the home of The Kingdom Heirs, one of Southern Gospel Music’s top Male Quartets. The group started performing in local churches and concert halls and as their music and message spread to a wider audience, so did their popularity and demand. Later in 1982 they began singing at the Silver Dollar City theme park, which is now Dollywood. In 1986 when the theme park took on their new name, The Kingdom Heirs were asked to become the resident gospel group and now this year, both The Kingdom Heirs and Dollywood are celebrating 33 years. Not only are they one of Dollywood’s favorites, but a favorite to millions everywhere.

The Kingdom Heirs have been nominated many times for industry awards such as The SGMA Awards, Dove Awards and The Singing News Fan Awards. Winning Newcomer Group of the Year in 1989, the group has been a constant favorite. The latest award is 2017 Band of the Year, which the band also won in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. They have also had many top ten songs, and currently have had 40 top 5 songs in a row and 11 number 1 songs including their latest number #1 song, “I’ll Know I’m Home”, “The Borrowed Tomb”, “Just Beyond The Sunset” (Nominated for Song of the Year), “Just Preach Jesus” (Nominated for Song of the Year), “Tell Me Why” and “He Locked The Gates.” Two songs “The Chain Gang” and “Pieces” were nominated for a Dove award, off of their highly successful album, A New Look were nominated for a Dove Award in 2016. Their album The Last Big Thing debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts in October 2017 followed by another Billboard debut with Something Good Vol Two in May 2019. Over the past years they have had 29 songs nominated for Song of the Year. The Kingdom Heirs are Arthur Rice, lead singer; Jeff Chapman, bass singer; Jerry Martin, tenor singer; Loren Harris, baritone singer; Dennis Murphy, drummer; Andy Stringfield, pianist; and Kreis French, manager.

About 11th Hour

Over the last ten years of traveling on the road, 11th Hour has seen God do some incredible things. With musical influences such as Karen Peck and New River, The Martins, Gold City, and The Kingsmen, 11th Hour has stayed fresh and relevant while maintaining a versatile sound, able to lead congregations in moving times of worship. After reaching high acclaim, in 2012, 11th Hour signed a recording contract with Crossroads Music. They’ve had five #1 songs on the Singing News chart and been nominated for numerous awards in Southern Gospel music such as Singing News Trio of the Year and AGM Album of the Year, while Amber Eppinette was nominated for Soprano of the Year. 11th Hour features Eppinette, alto singer Jaquita Lindsey and tenor singer Logan Smith.

About Crossroads

Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ music.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

The Kingdom Heirs’ broad talents shine on Everything In Between

Arden, North Carolina (August 2, 2019) — The Kingdom Heirs are illustrating why they’ve been noted as one of the top quartets in Southern Gospel music with their latest album, Everything In Between, featuring full quartet tunes, a cappella hymns and lively instrumentals. Everything In Between is now available for pre-order.

Due out from Sonlite Records on September 27, Everything In Between allows The Kingdom Heirs’ broad talents to shine. Each style lifts up praise to the Lord for all He’s done for us on Earth.

The album begins with “Just Drink The Water,” a new song from the pens of Lee Black, Gina Boe and Jerry Salley about wanting to be a witness of Christ’s love and spreading His message to as many people as possible. Then, The Kingdom Heirs invite all to “Come To The Well” in an upbeat song about all being welcome at the healing stream.

The title track follows, reminding that no matter what happens in life, Jesus is the first, last and everything in between, something the Bible will tell us if we turn to it. With an upbeat, country feel, this song features bass vocalist Jeff Chapman on the verses with the group joining on the chorus, and embodies the heart of Southern Gospel traditions.

“That water-walking savior who can calm a raging sea
Who rules this mighty universe and still has time for me
My doctor and my lawyer, any day my coming King,
Jesus is the first, the last and everything in between.”

The soulful “I Have Overcome” features the full group and band, ending with power and conviction as it tells of rejoicing how God has already faced any battles we will on earth.

The Kingdom Heirs’ instrumental work shines on their rendition of “Sweet By And By,” a classic hymn immediately recognizable with the joyful piano of Andy Stringfield. The album features two other instrumentals. “Crying In The Chapel” has a swing feel of the Elvis Presley classic and “He Set Me Free” is a true old fashioned country church hymn put to a Southern Gospel feel.

“Holy, Holy Is What The Angels Sing,” sung a cappella, is an old church hymn that tells of the joy salvation will bring and what it will be like to join the choir of angels. The Kingdom Heirs’ voices and harmonies shine as they share the emotion that will come upon reaching heaven.

Other songs include the a cappella “Nothin’s Gonna Keep Me Down” and “Ready For Glory” and “I’ll Never Get Over The Blood That I’m Under,” featuring the full group.

Everything In Between closes with “High On Zion’s Mountain” a powerful song penned by one of the group’s favorite writers, Dianne Wilkinson. With grand music, it tells of the glorious day when we reach Heaven and the beauty that will be found there.

With their vocal and instrumental abilities, The Kingdom Heirs praise and worship the Lord with each song on Everything In Between. Whether it’s a powerful song with the full group, a moving instrumental or a smooth a cappella tune, this album has something for each listener looking to lift up the Lord and His message.

Pre-order Everything In Between HERE.

About The Kingdom Heirs
From the Mountains of East Tennessee, Southern Gospel Music fills the air and is the home of The Kingdom Heirs, one of Southern Gospel Music’s top Male Quartets. The group started performing in local churches and concert halls and as their music and message spread to a wider audience, so did their popularity and demand. Later in 1982 they began singing at the Silver Dollar City theme park, which is now Dollywood. In 1986 when the theme park took on their new name, The Kingdom Heirs were asked to become the resident gospel group and now this year, both The Kingdom Heirs and Dollywood are celebrating 33 years. Not only are they one of Dollywood’s favorites, but a favorite to millions everywhere.

The Kingdom Heirs have been nominated many times for industry awards such as The SGMA Awards, Dove Awards and The Singing News Fan Awards. Winning Newcomer Group of the Year in 1989, the group has been a constant favorite. The latest award is 2017 Band of the Year, which the band also won in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.  They have also had many top ten songs, and currently have had 40 top 5 songs in a row and 11 number 1 songs including their latest number #1 song, “I’ll Know I’m Home”, “The Borrowed Tomb”, “Just Beyond The Sunset” (Nominated for Song of the Year), “Just Preach Jesus” (Nominated for Song of the Year), “Tell Me Why” and “He Locked The Gates.” Two songs “The Chain Gang” and “Pieces” were nominated for a Dove award, off of their highly successful album, A New Look were nominated for a Dove Award in 2016. Their album The Last Big Thing debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts in October 2017 followed by another Billboard debut with Something Good Vol Two in May 2019. Over the past years they have had 29 songs nominated for Song of the Year. The Kingdom Heirs are Arthur Rice, lead singer; Jeff Chapman, bass singer; Jerry Martin, tenor singer; Loren Harris, baritone singer; Dennis Murphy, drummer; Andy Stringfield, pianist; and Kreis French, manager.

About Crossroads:
Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music.

For more Gospel Music news read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

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Kingdom Heirs and Tim Menzies reviewed by Randall Hamm

Kingdom Heirs Something Good

Randall Reviews It: Kingdom Heirs and Tim Menzies

By Randall Hamm

We are more than halfway through the year and the new releases just keep on coming. This month, the Kingdom Heirs release a follow up to a highly popular album in their catalog, and singer/songwriter Tim Menzies releases his best album to date. Read on, dear reader, to find out more.

As always, if you enjoy the reviews, pick up this music, or download it, wherever you get good gospel music.

Please send your latest releases for review to Randall Hamm, c/o Q-100 WFLQ-FM, P.O. Box 100, French Lick, Ind., 47432

Randall


Now…Let the reviews begin!

Kingdom Heirs
“Something Good Volume 2”
Producer: Arthur Rice and Kreis French
Label: Sonlite 2019

Songs: “What A Beautiful Day” (Eddie Crook – Aaron Wilburn BMI); “It’s Gonna Be A Good Day” (Bill Gaither – Suzanne Jennings – Jeff Silvey BMI); “That’s How I Know” (Sonya Isaacs Yeary – Rebecca Isaacs Bowman BMI); “The Lovely Name Of Jesus” (Squire Parsons BMI); “The Love Of God” (V.P. “Vep” Ellis SESAC); “Something To Shout About” (Mosie Lister BMI); “Run On” (Traditional  P.D.); Thus Saith The Lord” (Daryl Williams ASCAP); “When We Sing Around The Throne Eternal” (Albert E. Brumley BMI); “Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho” (Traditional P. D.)

The Kingdom Heirs follow up one of their best albums, “The Last Big Thing,” with a nod to their previous project, “Something Good,” released in 2017. “Something Good” was a way of bringing back some great gospel songs of the last few years, some great classics out of the redback hymnal, and some great quartet classics of the past. 

In “Volume 2,” they keep the same winning recipe and once again bring us such great songs as “What A Beautiful Day,” and “The Lovely Name Of Jesus,” among other classics that have stood the test of time. The album also includes great songs that sound much older, as though they could have been written in that era as well. 

The CD kicks off in fine fashion with “What A Beautiful Day,” an Aaron Wilburn classic, written with Eddie Crook and brought to us by the Happy Goodmans. It is known for its steel introduction, which on the original was done by Steve “Rabbit” Easter, who was a part of the Happy Goodman Band, as was Eddie Crook. There was such a message in the song, that it was one of the biggest songs of 1975 and 1976, and is considered a classic today. All of the original elements, including the intro, are still here. This song still resonates today, as we draw day by day closer to the Lord’s return on that “Beautiful Day.” 

My favorite cut on the album is “The Love of God,” by Vep Ellis, harkening back to the Blackwood and Statesmen Quartet days. The Kingdom Heirs could have competed back in the day with their version, complete with just piano, organ, bass and drum. Nothing fancy, just simply singing the song and letting the beauty of their voices shine through. Jerry Martin and Loren Harris shine as the group brings us what quartets sounded like grouped around one microphone. Just so, so good. 

The released single brings us a taste of the Kingsmen, circa 1977. “The Lovely Name Of Jesus” sparkles as Arthur Rice takes the lead. A great nod to Squire as he has now retired from the road, due to health issues. Other classics such as “Run On” and “Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho” shine, and their version of “That’s How I Know,” first brought to us by Tribute Quartet, is a fitting tribute to sounds of days gone by. 

Overall, if you were to recommend an album to spotlight, with sounds of gospel music of days gone by, I would recommend this album and the original “Something Good.” 

Visit the Kingdom Heirs at facebook.com/kingdomheirs and get a copy for yourself and for a friend.

Strongest Songs:  “The Lovely Name of Jesus,” “What A Beautiful Day,” “The Love of God”

Tim Menzies
“His Name Is Jesus”
Producer: Ben Isaacs
Label: New Day 2019

Songs: “His Name Is” (Tim Menzies BMI); “That Little Crowded Room” (Tim Menzies – Casey Beathard BMI); “Don’t Wait” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell BMI);  There’s Something About That Name/Nothing But The Blood” (Bill Gaither – Gloria Gaither – Robert Lowry BM); “Thirty Year Suicide” (Tim Menzies – Jennifer Layne); “Hanging Out With Old Folks” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell BMI); “He Didn’t Come That Night” (Tim Menzies – Belinda Smith); “Six Feet” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell BMI); “I Know That Was You” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell); “I Hope You See Jesus” (Tim Menzies – Sonya Isaacs Yeary – Becky Isaacs Bowman BMI); “Thank God For Cowboys” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell ASCAP); “Kentucky Coal” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell – Sidney Cox ASCAP); “Walking In Jerusalem” (Bill Monroe); “Little Is Much” (Kittie L. Suffield P.D.)

“Tim Menzies, Volume 2,” is what I’m unofficially calling this, although the official title is, “His Name Is Jesus.” Tim has been around for a number of years as a songwriter, captivating us with his songs through such artists as Shenandoah, John Conlee, and Mark Chesnutt, among others. He had albums out as well under the name Tim Mensy, scoring a number of top 60 songs on the Country charts in the 1990s. But a few years ago, he turned his writing towards the gospel field.

Menzies’ songs always had a gospel feel and message, but now Tim has turned his music more to the gospel field and positive Christian genre. In 2014, he released his first gospel CD “His Way Of Loving Me.” From that CD, Tim released the single, “I Was There,” and had a minor hit. Mike Bowling of the Bowling family also recorded that on their “Moments Like These” project, having a top five single with it a few years ago. Tim had not heard them perform it, and I was there with Tim at the Food Court at NQC in 2015, when on the pre-show, Mike and the Bowling Family came on and sang “I Was There.” It was one of those special moments; you just had to be there, to see a songwriter see his song come to life. 

This latest CD contains 14 songs and 12 are from the pen of Tim. The first single, “Six feet Under,” has just been released to radio and is a sparkling song of hope, harkening back to Claude Elys’ “Ain’t No Grave.” I’m coming up six feet, ain’t no grave gonna hold me. 

My favorite cut and the one I hope Tim pulls as a single is, “That Little Crowded Room.” A man is close to death and he starts introducing family and friends, although there is only Tim and the gentleman in that “Little Crowded Room.” I hope it is a hit for Tim, but if not, someone will have a gigantic hit with this song of positive faith. 

What can you say, how do you follow up “I Was There?” With “I Know It Was You.” With a feel of “I Was There,” Tim crafts another song that lets us know that he is always there, and nothing takes him by surprise. 

Other great songs such as “Hanging Out With Old Folks,” “Don’t Wait ” and the rest of this project, Tim brings us into his living room and sings just for us. I would not be surprised if this album gets a Grammy nod, like his “His Way Of Loving Me” did a few years back. 

There are a number of hits on this album, and someone will release them, Tim or another soloist or group. This album is a must for anyone who loves to hear their songs raw and from the songwriter’s heart, as he imagined them. 

Also a plus, Tim invites a number of guest artists to appear with him, including The Isaacs, Gaither Vocal Band, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, and Karen Peck; making this the album must-have of the year. The album is now out and you can get a copy when you visit Tim at facebook.com/TimMenziesOfficial/

June 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Strongest Songs: “I Know It Was You,” ”That Little Crowded Room,” “Six Feet”

By Randall Hamm

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in June 2019

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Happy Sunday….. Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You (Kingdom Heirs)

Kingdom Heirs

What do I have to do to go to heaven?

God isn’t waiting to judge you. God isn’t waiting to condemn you. He’s waiting to receive you with mercy, with love, with open arms, and forgive all your sins. Will you come to Him? Will you turn from your sin and promise to live for Him? He can transform your life—and you can look forward to eternity with Him in heaven.

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

There is nothing you can do to earn God’s forgiveness; it is possible only by His grace when you have faith in Him. God is a loving God and wants to forgive you. He wants to welcome you into His family.

“To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12

You can be a child of God today.

“He asked, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.’” — Acts 16:30, 31

Do you know HIM?

What a great song written by Diane Wilkinson. “Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You”- Kingdom Heirs

Happy Sunday!

God Is Faithful: A Look At Arthur Rice of The Kingdom Heirs

Arthur Rice receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Creekside 2018

Since 1995, the powerful, soulful, and energetic voice of Arthur Rice has been an anchor in the signature sound of the Kingdom Heirs. Rice’s incredible lead vocals delight audiences all over the world. He has experienced great success in his career having been nominated for many industry awards. Rice also serves as the President of the Southern Gospel Music Association and a deacon at his home church FBC Sevierville.

Gospel Music has always been a part of Rice’s life.

“I’m the youngest of four kids and the only boy in my family,” relates Rice. “My dad sang in several quartets along with my mom and oldest sister even before I was born, so I’ve been around church and singing all my life. I started singing solos with my family when I was old enough to stand in a chair.”

It wasn’t long until the gospel group bug bit young Rice.

“Then I started playing bass guitar for my dad’s quartet when I was seven and sang lead for them when I turned 14. I went with a mixed group called the Gerald Payne Family when I was 18 and that was when Eldridge Fox heard me sing.”

Kingdom Heirs

Fox’s notice eventually led to Rice’s first major mainstream quartet position. Rice served as lead singer and bass player for the legendary Kingsmen Quartet from 1983 – 1989. It was a natural fit as Rice and his family were already acquainted with the group.

“My family had always been friends with the Kingsmen through Ray Dean,” explains Rice. “My dad’s quartet was the first group Ray ever sang in and we’re second cousins. A short time after being in concert with the Kingsmen, Foxy called and asked if I would be interested in singing with the mighty Kingsmen. That was in 1983. I was there till ‘89 and I left the road for a year to help take over my dad’s shop after he had a brain aneurysm. The Lord healed him and gave us many more years with him.”

Following his tenure with the Kingsmen, he sang with fellow Kingsmen member, Squire Parsons, for five years before joining the Kingdom Heirs, where he has remained for 22 years.

Rice cites many great groups and vocalists as inspiration for his own unique, recognizable sound.

“We had one gospel station in our area; my dad turned all the radios to it then pulled all the knobs off so nobody could change the station,” laughs Rice. “So about all I grew up listening to was gospel music. I loved it all, but I guess my biggest influences were the Kingsmen, the Inspirations, the Happy Goodmans, and the Statesmen. But, when I was around 16, I discovered Ronnie Milsap. Wow, what a voice and range.

“After my voice changed at 14, my mom found a voice teacher for me,” Rice continues. “She drove me the hour trip every week until I was old enough to drive myself. I took lessons for seven years. Mr. Brookshire was from Juilliard but unlike most teachers we talked to, he allowed me to sing gospel music instead of just opera. I’m very grateful that my mom believed in me enough to make that sacrifice.”

Rice’s incredible voice is featured on the newest CD from the Kingdom Heirs.

“Our latest album, ‘The Last Big Thing,’ is a great album full of incredible songs. It has two top-five songs already on radio and the title song was voted 2018 Song Of The Year,” says Rice.

This hit project also includes a new release that pulls on the heartstrings.

“Our latest radio single is ‘Heaven Just Got Sweeter.’ It’s written by Jerry Salley and Dianne Wilkinson. We were going in the studio to record tracks for the new album and we had already finalized our songs when Jeff’s dad passed away from bone cancer. Dianne sent me a copy of the song to just play for Jeff to encourage him, but after I heard it, I thought it would encourage a lot of other folks. Little did I know that in just short few months, how it would encourage me when I lost my middle sister from cancer in October 2017,” Rice shares.

This is the mission of Rice and the group as well. It is of the utmost importance to show God’s love, comfort and encouragement through their music.

Read more »

Christmas Wacky Wednesday from SGNScoops

It’s Christmastime here on SGNScoops and we have a brand new Christmas edition of Wacky Wednesday just for you. This time, our question was: What is your favorite Christmas song and why? Let’s shake our Gospel music snowglobe and see what answers the artists have for us.

Thanks again to our special Social Media girl, Jantina de Haan, for securing these responses for us. We hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas!

Mark Byrd: “Mary Did You Know.” I love the way this song has such a sweet flow but tells a story of a mighty King and Savior.

Eric Bennett: “Hope Has Hands” © Phill Cross; I love the way he describes baby Jesus. Hope has Hands, Freedom has Feet; Truth will stand, The Word will speak. The Holy and Lovely will finally embrace. For Love has a Heartbeat and Grace has a Face…”

Adam Crabb: “O Holy Night,” because it talks about the birth of our Savior and to me, this song is the true spirit of Christmas.

Jaquita Lindsey: “Do You Hear What I Hear.” I remember trying to learn it on the piano, which I never learned to play the piano 🙂 I don’t have a particular reason for liking it. Just because.

Greg Sullivan: “There’s a New Kid In Town.” I like this song because not many people in Bethlehem knew that Jesus had been born and it focuses on how God became man in form of a child. This child would be the Savior of the world.

Randa Jordan: “White Christmas.” I loved the movie as a little girl, loved Bing Crosby, and it stayed with me all these years. It brings to me the happiest of memories.

Arthur Rice: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The song came out in 1943 during WW2 and it was written from a soldier’s perspective of wanting to be home

Gaither Homecoming

with their families for Christmas, even though the last line reveals it wouldn’t be a reality.
The song always reminds me of the reality that so many of our men and women won’t be home for Christmas. And how appreciative we should be for the sacrifice of them and their families, and we pray for their safe and speedy

return home.

Mark Bishop: Wow.. that’s a tough one. It’s hard to narrow it down to one song. For the simplicity of the beautiful message and the melody, it’s hard to beat “Silent Night.” It exemplifies what we should be focusing on at Christmas time, over shopping and gifts. It always makes me a little melancholy, too. Likewise, with “Oh Holy Night.” My sleeper choice would have to be “The Little Drummer Boy.” I love the story that it tells and that we don’t need to bring great gifts to Jesus like the three wise men, we only need to give Him the talents that He gave us. But the greatest Christmas gift of all is to give back to God what He gave us, to begin with.

Matt Fouch: I have a funny one…’You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” I love the original cut on this song and it fits the bass range just perfectly. People always smile when they hear you sing it, It’s a lot of fun.

Autumn Clark of the Nelons

Autumn Clark: “The Christmas song.” Because it is so beautiful and the story it tells.

Scott Peek (DJ of KNMG Radio): “We Are The Reason.” The message can be no clearer. He came to earth as a baby for us. All 33 years of His life were about us His willingness to die on the cross was about us. And it all started that first Christmas morning…”WE ARE THE REASON!”

Harley Madden: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” I think maybe my favorite song for Christmas. And the reason I say that is, back in 1985 my sister passed, and I miss her everyday. But now I think about it, she made my mom a promise for Christmas that year. And that was: She would be home for Christmas. Even though we may not have got our wish for her to be at her earthly home for Christmas, she was made new in her Heavenly home. Sitting at the feet of Jesus. I can’t wait to get to Heaven, to be able to see her again and give her a big hug.

A Wacky Wednesday Merry Christmas from SGNScoops