Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Gary Dillard passes away

Gary Dillard on steel guitar

Gary Dillard, A.K.A. Beaver, has finally conquered cancer and entered heaven. Dillard was a former member of the Kingsmen and a musician extraordaire. He was known for his exceptional ability with the steel guitar, banjo, and most stringed instruments. A sweet gentleman, he was much beloved by Kingsmen fans everywhere.

Gary Dillard

Randy Perry posted:

One side of my heart is so sad today while another side is rejoicing. My great friend Gary Dillard (Beav) has beat the cancer and has received eternal healing today. We’ve been friends over 30 yrs. I’m just thankful for the time we got to spend with him back in July of this past year. Gary and his precious wife Judy Averette Dillard attended several services we were at in Tuscaloosa. We laughed and laughed telling old stories from back in the day as he played steel guitar with the Kingsmen and I was with the Perry’s.
Shout it out brother! I’ll see you soon! Thank God for Heaven! Please be praying for Judy and the families during this very difficult time in life.

SGNScoops joins with friends and fans of Gary Dillard, expressing our sympathy and prayers for Gary’s wife Judy and all their family.

Bill Bailey’s 2020 Winter Gospel Music Convention

Bill Bailey’s 2020 Winter Gospel Music Convention will be held Monday-Saturday, February 3-8, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.  Over 40 of gospel music’s top artists will be appearing throughout the week – including special guest artist, Larry, Steve, & Rudy – the GATLIN BROTHERS, along with the BOOTH BROTHERS, HOPPERS, GREATER VISION, ISAACS, TRIUMPHANT QUARTET, LYNDA RANDLE, LEGACY FIVE, PERRYS, GOLD CITY, KINGSMEN, JOSEPH HABEDANK, KAREN PECK & NEW RIVER, INSPIRATIONS, and many others!

Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers

This event is recognized as the largest southern gospel concert event in the nation during the winter.  This year’s event also marks Bill Bailey’s 34^th anniversary promoting southern gospel concerts throughout the United States.

GOLD CITY, KINGSMEN headline Thanksgiving gospel concert

Alabama’s Oldest and Largest Thanksgiving Gospel Sing, featuring Gold City and the Kingsmen, returns to Florence, Ala., at the Florence Coliseum on Friday, November 29^th, at 7:00 p.m.!  This concert event has been a Gospel Music tradition in the Shoals area for over 30 years.

Featured at this year’s concert will be GOLD CITY, KINGSMEN, INSPIRATIONS, and the PERRYS.

No tickets are required for admission!  A $15 donation per person will be requested at the door for the concert, and a love offering received during the concert for FCC Ministries.

The Inspirations tell stories of God’s presence on Right Where He Is

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and all seating is general admission.

Florence Coliseum is located at 702 Veterans Drive in Florence.

Lorraine Walker: Facing Fear

Dog days of summer bring lovely lilies in the Editor’s Last Word by Lorraine Walker

Editor’s Last Word for July 2019 by Lorraine Walker

July is officially the month of the dog days of summer. It’s interesting how, when we move from air-conditioned buildings to cool cars back to even cooler houses, we don’t even really get the full benefit of the heat of summer time. I remember as a kid playing outside and the heat didn’t bother me at all. Now if I’ve been more than 10 minutes outside, I’m begging for either air conditioning or my favorite iced coffee. I don’t think I’m the only one either, judging from the lineup at the coffee shop. Have we become a society that can’t stand a little warmth? Or has it truly become hotter outside?

July 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

One thing that is for sure, an artist whose career is heating up once again, is the ageless Carman. He looks the same and sounds the same as he did when I first became a fan back in the 80s. And now he’s back with a gospel album and joined by a quartet. Still, as he begins his new tour, I hope he doesn’t leave off the iconic song, “The Champion.” Thanks so much to Jennifer Campbell for that feature.

Special thanks as well to John Herndon for bringing us the story on another iconic group, the Kingsmen. So glad to see that they are back with a new album to go along with their new lineup.

In fact, thanks to all of our writers this month, for going above and beyond to bring us these great features. SGNScoops magazine is blessed to have some of the best writers in the industry. They bring us features better not only inspiring but also entertaining. I hope you’ve had time to also read the devotional writers who contribute to the SGNScoops website. We are blessed.

My sister mentioned the other day about how often the subject of fear comes up in today’s Christian music. Whether it’s Southern or Country gospel, or Contemporary Christian music, usually you won’t have the station on long before you will hear the subject of being afraid, and how Jesus can break those chains of fear and anxiety. The thing is, you have to recognize that it is fear. Then you need to remember that Jesus is love, and perfect love casts out fear. Does that line sound familiar? Then you know it is part of scripture and knowledge of the word of God is essential to dealing with fear. Remind yourself and the ultimate source of fear, satan, that God is in control and he has the final word.

Lorraine Walker

After you have gone to the word to claim the promises of God and to remind yourself of the many times he says, “Fear not!” then rest in that knowledge and talk to the author of peace. Tell him your fears and let him soothe you with his divine presence. Turn on some good gospel music and let yourself soak in the words of songs touched by the hand of God.

If you are afraid or anxious today, I urge you to talk to someone you know and trust who can help you find peace in the words of our Savior. Let his words be your rock, your fence, your protection and your safety. For Jesus is the Word. He will never fail you.

I am so glad we have music that can overcome evil and fear with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Thank you to all of the songwriters who bathe their minds and work in the Holy Spirit, and the singers who are blessed by God to communicate his love. You are all vessels for his glory.

If you need have any questions or comments or suggestions after reading this month’s issue, please write to me, lorraine@sgnscoops.com 

By Lorraine Walker

First published by SGNScoops magazine in July 2019

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Beyond the Song: the Kingsmen give a “Victory Shout”

The Kingsmen’s Victory Shout shares encouragement for the journey to Heaven

Jantina de Haan Baksteen goes Beyond the Song to talk to the Kingsmen about their latest hit, “Victory Shout.’

I reached out to the Kingsmen and got in contact with Chris Jenkins. He responded immediately and was willing to answer these few questions about the Kingsmen and the song “Victory Shout” that’s currently on radio.

1. Please tell us about the Kingsmen lineup as there have been some changes lately.

Chris Jenkins

Chris Jenkins:The Kingsmen have been blessed, for 63 years, to have some of the most talented and dynamic vocalists pass through the ranks of the group. Chris Bryant and Alan Kendall are no exception.

Chris brings a powerhouse and smooth lead vocal to that Kingsmen sound. He is from Mississippi originally and now makes his home in East Tennessee.

Alan has been here since August of 2018 following the retirement of Randy Crawford. Alan makes his home in Hiawassee, Georgia, with his wife and two daughters. Alan’s booming baritone voice and high energy is reminiscent of former members such as Squire Parsons, Wayne Maynard, and Parker Jonathan. Alan is being received well as he gives his take on Kingsmen No  1 songs such as “Battle Cry”, “The Next Cloud”, and recent radio hit, “Don’t Underestimate God’s Grace”.

2. Please share some history of the Kingsmen. You have celebrated over 60 years already!

Chris: The Kingsmen started in the mid-50’s in Asheville, N.C. Through the 70’s and 80’s, they made their mark on Christian music with award winning albums such as “Big and Live”, “Chattanooga Live” and “Live Naturally”, garnering four Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, numerous Singing News Fan Awards, and an induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2000. The Kingsmen have performed on the south lawn of the White House and at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN.

The Kingsmen

3. “Victory Shout” is on the “Victory Shout!” album. Tell us about this song. Why was it picked for this album?

Chris: “Victory Shout” was one of the last songs we picked for the new album. Written by Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox, who have written many recent hits in Christian music, we fell in love with it’s powerful message and worshipful chorus. When Kenna had the idea, it was 22 years ago, and began with the Bible story of Miriam waiting and praising God in the midst of oppression by Pharaoh, before Moses led the children of Israel across the Red Sea.

4 From the first note it gets your attention. What makes this song so special?

Chris: Being from a choral background, I immediately felt like it needed a big choir in the background and we had Wesley Pritchard and friends help us lay down a choir arrangement and backing vocals. It’s special to us because The Kingsmen have never really recorded a worship anthem until now and it’s being received so well.

5. You are the lead on this song and doing an amazing job! What is the message you want to share with the audience?

Chris: It’s a message of hope and encouragement. If you’re waiting on an answer from God, sometimes he doesn’t always send the answer in our time. God’s will is perfect and his ways are much higher than ours. The Bible says, “He inhabits the praises of his people,” so we should give God praise in the midst of our storm while we’re waiting for Him to send the miracle our way.

6. Is there something more you ‘d like to share with the SGNScoops readers?

Chris:”Victory Shout” became available worldwide and on all your favorite digital music platforms on June 7. You may get your copy by visiting our website at www.kingsmenquartet.com. You may also visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Visit our website to see where you can catch the Kingsmen in a city near you.

Thanks Chris Jenkins for taking us Beyond The Song with the KIngsmen.

The entire SGNScoops team wish you many more years spreading the Gospel and safe travels on the many miles you make.

By Jantina de Haan-Baksteen

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Kingsmen and Chandlers reviewed by Randall Hamm

The Kingsmen’s Victory Shout shares encouragement for the journey to Heaven

The Kingsmen and the Chandlers featured in the April 2019 SGNScoops edition of Randall Reviews It, by Randall Hamm

Friends:

April showers bring May flowers and also bring new gospel releases. This month brings only two, but they are dandies. One is a pre-release review of the new Kingsmen CD “Victory Shout,” and the other is a new album, “Seasons,” from an up-and-coming family group, the Chandlers.

Make sure to visit these groups at their Facebook homes and find out more about them. Also get copies of their albums to enjoy for yourself.

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

Randall Hamm

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!

The Kingsmen’s “Victory Shout” is a powerful anthem

The Kingsmen
“Victory Shout”
2019 Horizon Records

Songs: “Running To Win” (Sandy Knight BMI); “Just Climb” (Karen Gillespie-Adina Bowman-Gene Ezell BMI); “I’ve Ever Been Glad” (Regina Walden BMI); “Victory Shout” (Kenna Turner West – Jason Cox BMI); “Dear John” (Jason Cox – Joseph Habedank – Kenna Turner West BMI); “It Still Changes Me” (Chris Binion – Matthew Lawson BMI); “King Of Kings” (Rebecca J Peck – Dianne Wilkinson BMI); “Prodigal Son” (Larry W Gatlin BMI); “You’ll Move Mountains For Me” (Karen Gillespie – Rachel McCutcheon BMI); “That’s Where You’ll Find Me” (Kenna Turner West – Jason Cox BMI)

It’s been two years since the Kingsmen released “They Don’t Know,” and since then three quarters of the quartet has changed. Josh Horrell who had replaced tenor Chris Jenkins, has now gone and has been replaced once again by Chris Jenkins. Bob Sellers, lead, left to start a solo ministry and is singing select dates with the Old Time Preachers Quartet. Randy Crawford, baritone, resigned due to health reasons. In Bob and Randy’s place, the quartet welcomed new baritone Alan Kendall and lead Chris Bryant.

Songs from established songwriters such as Sandy Knight,  Kenna Turner West and Dianne Wilkinson, and newcomers Karen Gillespie and Rachel McCutcheon, make this Kingsmen album a must listen.

The album opens with a mid tempo Sandy Knight composition “Running To Win,” that will make you want to keep in the race. “Just Climb,” slows down the pace to feature what could be a single down the road. “I’ve Ever Been Glad,” features Kingsmen bass Ray Dean Reese and he sings the fire out of it. “Victory Shout,” is the first single pulled and is off to a fine start.

One of the highlights of the CD is the re-recording of the “Prodigal Son,” that was first recorded in 1980 for their “Chartbreakers” LP. Listening to the new version and the original, Ray has not lost a step or a note. This, I hope, will become a single; it’s so good.

Some strong songs and some strong singing from a new batch of Kingsmen will thrill longtime fans, and make fans of folks who may not have been fans before now. Visit the Kingsmen at facebook.com/kingsmenquartet/ and get a copy of “Victory Shout” when it’s released and request “Victory Shout” at your local Gospel radio station.

This CD is not available yet; it will be released on June 7th and will be well worth the wait.

Strongest Songs: “Victory Shout,” “Prodigal Son,” “Just Climb”

Chandlers, “Seasons”

The Chandlers
“Seasons”
Producer: Shane Roark
Executive Producers: Tim and Lana Chandler
2019 Upper Room Records

Songs: “Anchor Of My Soul” (Jackie Jellison Nichols BMI);  “He Made A Way” (Tim Chandler BMI); “Who Would You Be” (Tiffany Chandler  BMI); “All The Way” (Tim Chandler – Lana Jellison Chandler – Tiffany Chandler BMI); “I Don’t Deserve” (Tim Chandler BMI); “Better” (Tiffany Chandler BMI); “Turn Back To Jesus” (Lana Jellison Chandler BMI); “Go Answer The Door” (Tim Chandler – Lana Jellison Chandler – Tiffany Chandler BMI); “Seasons” (Tim Chandler BMI); “My Savior First of All” (Fanny J. Crosby PD)

Chandlers at the Diamond Awards

The Chandlers are a family group based out of Greenfield, Tennessee. They are: mom, Lana Chandler; dad, Tim Chandler; and their daughters, Lyndsey and  Tiffany Chandler. Many may know Lana as Lana Jellison of the group the Jellisons in the 80’s and 90’s. This group as such has been around a few years, but Tim and Lana have been around since 1992 as Tim and Lana Chandler, their daughters have joined the group in the last few years, and they are now known as the Chandlers.

I first became aware of the Chandlers in the early years of N.Q.C. at Pigeon Forge, seeing them at the showcase. They absolutely blew me away, and that same year they were signed by Chapel Valley, to the Upper Room Record division.

This is another great album the Chandlers have recorded with Chapel Valley. All songs but one are written by the Chandlers.

Great family harmony right off the bat with the first song “Anchor of My Soul,” that tells us that “the one I’m serving, he’s the ‘Anchor of My Soul.’” Tim is featured on “He Made A Way,” a bluesy number of the one who always makes the way.

“Who Would You Be,” asks the question: If I had lived in Christ’s time, who would I be? Lana is featured on “All The Way,” and the sound that the Chandlers are known for, which is “get with it McGruders-style music,” is heard on this song, and that’s quite a compliment.

“Better” is my first choice for a radio single; upbeat and a wah-wah guitar make for a great retro sound. It’s catchy, plus has a great message to boot.

“Turn Back To Jesus,” “Go Answer The Door,” “Seasons,” and an a cappella reading of Fanny Crosby’s “My Savior First of All,” close out the CD. There’s nothing finer than when the Chandlers go a cappella. Their last release featured an a cappella version of “Softly and Tenderly” with a new part, and that made it a fresh, new song that sparkled.

Since the passing of Priscilla and Carroll McGruder, I thought that the style of the McGruders would no longer be around. Boy, was I wrong. The Chandlers have a great anointing to carry on this style, both in their writing and singing.

Make sure, DJs, if you’re looking for someone fresh to add to your playlist, may I recommend the Chandlers. If you as a fan of Southern gospel music are looking for someone new to discover, may I recommend the Chandlers.

Visit the Chandlers at facebook.com/TheChandlersMusic and get a copy of “Seasons” at thechandlersmusic.com/

Strongest Songs: “He Made A Way,” “Who Would You Be,” “Better”

Reviewed by Randall Hamm for April 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Remembering the Little Giant – Bigger than Life – Ernie Phillips

Kingsmen with Ernie Phillips and Squire Parsons

Ernie Phillips was the son of the late Vernon and Pauline Phillips of Cool Ridge, West Virginia. A 1968 graduate of Shady Spring High School, he received the “Citizen of the Year” award. He also received a scholarship to Beckley College, where he received an A. B. A. Degree in Business Administration. Phillips later attended the Electronic Computer Programming Institute in Charleston, West Virginia, where he received a Certificate of Achievement.

Ernie Phillips accepted Christ at an early age and he loved the Lord. His love of family, church, and Southern gospel music ministry, was only matched by his love and dedication to country. He was one of the good guys. You could tell by his walk and talk he knew his daily path was ordered and rooted in his faith.

Ernie Phillips

Phillips served in the military from 1970 to 1973 in the United States Army. He was stationed in South Carolina, Georgia, and Baumholder, Germany. While in Germany, he worked as a Missile Repair Parts Specialist and Radio Relay Technician, which resulted in an Army Commendation Medal for working two jobs at the same time. After military service, Phillips worked at the V.A. Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia, as a Supply Specialist and Warehouseman.

Kingsmen on stage with Ernie Phillips

Upon his return from military service, this tenor’s love of Southern gospel quartet music began to grow even more. Phillips sang with several local church groups from Beckley for a period of five years. He joined a popular gospel quartet, The Crossmen, from Beckley, in 1975, and sang tenor with them on weekends for two years.

Read more »

Little Ernie Phillips passes away

Kingsmen with Ernie Phillips

Little Ernie Phillips, tenor for many years with the Kingsmen, man who helped to create their iconic quartet sound, has passed away.

Ernie Phillips

Mark Trammell, part of the Kingsmen Quartet during Phillips’ tenure, had this to say on his Facebook page this morning:

Mark Trammell. Photo by Jessica Trammell Photography

Woke up to a message from Eric Dean Phillips that his Dad, Ernie Phillips had slipped thru the pearly gates early this morning. SO much I could say about Ernie. He was one of the greatest encouragers in my life. 40 years ago last month, I joined the Kingsmen. He allowed me to live with he and his family the first month until my wedding. Ernie was my friend and protector. ..Couldn’t help but think of the song Ernie, Wayne Maynard, myself, and Ray Dean Reese recorded years ago. “At Sunrise, I’m Going Home.” Glad you made it home Ernie! We’ll see you soon! (Read Mark’s entire post here.)

All of our sympathies and prayers go to the family and friends of Ernie Phillips.

Bill Bailey’s Thanksgiving Gospel Music Spectacular featuring Kingsmen, Gold City, McKameys, Perrys, comes to Vidalia, Georgia on Nov. 24

Bill Bailey’s Thanksgiving Gospel Music Spectacular featuring Kingsmen, Gold City, McKameys, Perrys, comes to Vidalia, Georgia on Nov. 24

Bill Bailey’s Thanksgiving Gospel Music Spectacular comes to the Southeast Technical College in Vidalia, Georgia, on Sat., Nov. 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Kingsmen

Featured in concert will be the KINGSMEN, GOLD CITY, McKAMEYS, and the PERRYS.  

Gold City

This year’s concert will be extra special because the McKameys have announced their retirement in 2019, which means this will be one of the last times they appear in south/central Georgia.

McKameys

No tickets are required for admission.

Perrys

A $15 donation per person will be requested at the door for the concert, and a love offering received during the concert for FCC Ministries.

AB Gospel Agency Reaches Agreement with Bob Sellers

AB Gospel Agency Reaches Agreement with Bob Sellers

AB Gospel Agency is thrilled to announce the addition of Southern gospel soloist, Bob Sellers, to its excellent roster of dynamic artists.

Sellers most recently traveled with Dove Award winning, Grammy nominated, Hall of Fame Members, the Kingsmen Quartet, from the years of 2011 to 2018, singing lead vocals. He now travels the country as a soloist sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through word and song, and is also a member of the Old Time Preachers Quartet of Nashville, Tenn.

Andrew Brunet, owner of AB Gospel Agency, expresses the company’s excitement over their non-exclusive agreement with Sellers; “What a delight to be able to work with an artist of great anointing and talent such as Bob Sellers. He is an awesome vocalist who has a passion to share the message of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world in which we live today. One thing you will notice about Bob is his love for the Lord and passion for winning the lost.”

Bob Sellers

For more information about Bob Sellers and his ministry, you may visit his website at www.BobSellersMinistries.com.

For booking inquiries, you may reach Andrew Brunet at (803) 374-4069 or by email at abgospelagency@gmail.com.

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