Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Gospel Greats host Paul Heil called home

Sheila and Paul Heil, Christmas 

All of us at SGNScoops are saddened at the news of the passing of beloved gospel music icon Paul Heil who passed

away on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

Paul leaves behind his sweet wife of 38 years, Sheila, also known and loved by all who met her. Please pray for Sheila, their two sons, Jason and Andrew, their wives and children, and all the Heil family as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

Paul Heil talked about his life and work of 40 years with Rob Patz in the March 2020 issue of SGNScoops.  He talked of interviewing music legends JD Sumner, Kenny Hinson, and George Younce, among others. Paul has been an inspiration and role model for many, as his love for Jesus and desire to share the gospel was a beautiful, shining light.

Sheila and Paul Heil and their grandchildren

Please pray for Sheila and for the family and friends of Paul Heil at this difficult time. 

The Voice of Southern Gospel Celebrates 40 Years

Every genre  whether it be in music, film, television, or radio has a voice that transcends generations.
In Southern gospel music, we have been not only blessed but fortunate to have such a man. He’s a man
of integrity and vision. That man is Paul Heil.

Scoops: Congratulations on 40 years! What inspired you to get into radio?

Paul Heil: My interest in broadcasting goes back about as far as I can remember, perhaps as an outgrowth of my interest in journalism, especially newspapers. I was probably one of very few middle schoolers whose allowance went toward subscribing to the second daily local newspaper at home. So my interest in broadcasting involved the news quite a bit. In fact, I was news director at a local radio station for about seven years (just out of college) and then at a local TV station for two years (before beginning The Gospel Greats
program). Both of those stations were market leaders. But the production aspect of radio
always intrigued me, and, growing up, a particular local radio station was known for its outstanding production. That inspired that interest in me. I was also interested early in syndication and networking. During college I created a 12-station live network of college radio stations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania for a half-hour nightly news block.

Scoops: Who were some of your broadcast influences?

Paul Heil: My all-time radio hero; was Paul Harvey. When I was in 7th grade I smuggled a little transistor radio into school so I could listen to his noon broadcast during lunch.
Much later, when my family and I were vacationing in Chicago, one of the stations carrying The Gospel Greats program arranged for us to meet Paul Harvey at his offices. Shelia and I were, in fact, allowed to sit in his studio during his live noon network broadcast. Here’s the “rest of the story:” http://www.thegospelgreats.com/ciphph.htm

Scoops: Tell us about your days on television in Lancaster. How did that shape your career?

Paul Heil: Actually, I was not on television — except for some voiceovers. I was behind the scenes as news director. Fascinating work. However, a change of ownership at the station created some tense times, and I think the Lord used that to help make me unhappy enough there to move on to do what He had in mind for me all along.

Scoops: How did you come up with the concept of The Gospel Greats?

Paul Heil: My interest in radio and radio program production and syndication led me to look for some way to put this interest to good use. My brother, John, had a local singing
group and introduced me to a monthly publication that included a Top 40 chart. Having been a fan of some of the syndicated Top 40 radio shows on the air in those days, I thought, Why not Southern Gospel? So the concept was born and launched — with the first broadcast on the first weekend of February, 1980, on a handful of stations around the country. Conceptually, though, I wanted to include the voices of the artists telling their stories, rather than doing it myself (as Casey Kasem did on secular radio). That became thes sound of The Gospel Greats program since the very beginning.

Maurice Templeton and his wife, Marsha, spent their first anniversary touring Pennsylvania Dutch country. Included was a visit with Paul and Shelia Heil

Scoops: Over forty years, I’m sure you’ve had some unique experiences and some memorable interviews. Is there one in particular that was your favorite?

Paul Heil: Lots of them. I remember one particular poignant interview with the late J. D. Sumner, whose public persona was quite often somewhat gruff. But when I asked him how he would like to be remembered in years to come, he said simply, “I would like them to remember the real J. D.,” Indeed, those who knew him said he had a heart of gold in his dealings with people he was trying to help. Another interesting interview was with the late Kenny Hinson. We were interviewing in a classroom at a high school where the Hinsons were to sing. We finished up, walked out into the hallway and Kenny got this look on his face. He heard the concert starting — with the Hinsons starting to sing without him. He rushed out, in his street clothes, grabbed a mike and never missed a beat. Perhaps one of my favorite interview experiences was when George Younce co-hosted The Gospel Greats program’s 20th anniversary edition in 2000. This was just after the Cathedrals had retired, and we actually recorded the program in George’s sunroom in Stow, Ohio. George was a very special man, always (along with Glen Payne) very supportive of what we were doing.

Scoops: Is there anyone that you wish that you had had the opportunity to interview?

Paul Heil: I would have loved to interview Albert E. Brumley. He contributed so much to this music and had quite a story to tell. (We’ve always considered his son, Bob, to be a good friend, too.) Actually, as I think about your question, I must say that we have been extremely blessed to have interviewed so many of the veterans of this music who have
passed on to Glory — stalwarts such as James Blackwood, Brock Speer, George Younce, Glen Payne, J. D. Sumner, Rex Nelon and many others. In retrospect, those experiences
become even more precious.

Scoops: How do you see radio evolving over the next five years?

Paul Heil: Next question? No — I really don’t know. Radio, as we’ve known it for decades, has succeeded best when it did an outstanding job at what it does best –communicate. In Christian radio, we have the greatest message of all to communicate — the Gospel. And, of course, the Gospel deserves our very best. Southern Gospel radio entertains to communicate. But the message is the most important element here. Technological changes may bring ears to radio in different ways in the future, but those ears; will only stay tuned if we make it worth their time.

Scoops: For someone reading this who is contemplating a career in broadcasting, what advice would you give them?

Paul Heil: Have you considered farming? No, seriously, there are great opportunities in broadcasting. But, as is the case in most endeavors, you have to give it your best. You have
to learn the fundamentals. People used to look at me strangely when I suggest to someone wanting to get into Christian radio that they first work in, and get trained by, an outstanding secular station. That was my background. When the skills are in place, then it’s time to take and use those skills in Christian radio. Do whatever the job requires — and gob that.

Scoops: With all of the experience you have, what is something you wish you could go back and tell your younger self?

Paul Heil: My greatest problems, professionally, have been the result of spreading myself too thinly among multiple projects. I’ve always had more interests than time to pursue those interests fully. I would tell my younger self, to focus more on the primary jobs — or job –that I believe the Lord gave me to do, which is, for the past forty years, The Gospel Greats program. Don’t get me wrong — I think the Lord has blessed my other endeavors over the years, too, but that was His grace at work and not necessarily His perfect will.

Scoops: Another aspect of your life is Springside Marketing. For those who may not be familiar with it, tell us what it is and how you came up with the idea for it.

Paul Heil: Springside started back in 1986 when we had so many people writing in to our program to say that they just didn’t know where to get all of the music we were playing on the air. Bookstores that even had music departments seldom had a very good selection of Southern Gospel music. So we started selling records and cassettes by mail through a catalog, and have continued to this day. Of course, today it’s CDs and DVDs, primarily. The website for that is www.springside.com.

Scoops: Tell us about Paul Heil when he is off the air. What are some of your favorite activities?

Paul Heil: A favorite activity of mine these days is being with our little 2-year old granddaughter (who will soon have a sibling, thank the Lord). She is amazing. I also like to do interior renovation work at the house, finish carpentry, drywalling, electrical (but not plumbing), etc. I’ve often told Shelia we’re moving into a new house, one room at a time. But the press of work makes any such projects drag out for a very long time.

Scoops: Do you and Sheila have any favorite vacation destinations?

Paul Heil: Not particularly. We’ve taken some bus trips to sightsee in the past. We go on the Singing at Sea Cruise most years. But we really don’t get away much.

Scoops: Outside of music and broadcasting, what are you most passionate about?

Paul Heil: The best answer would simply be “the Gospel.” That’s the bottom line, as it should be for all of us. How can we get it out there, how can we reach more people? I feel SO blessed that the Lord gave me a love for the work I do which, by the way, just happens to get the Gospel out there. And, as someone recently pointed out to me, with the internet
the Gospel (through our program and many others) can literally be heard around the world.

Scoops: If you hadn’t gone into broadcasting, what career do you think you would have pursued?

Paul Heil: That’s a tough question. Perhaps something in journalism. My dad was a pastor, but I’ve never felt a call to preach, per se. I do feel that the Lord called me, instead, to the work I’m doing now. Nevertheless, He did let me experience preaching occasionally as a lay preacher for about ten years in our home church at the time. So, I don’t know a specific answer to the question, other than to say I’m sure the Lord would have directed my paths because that would have been my desire.

Scoops: You have interviewed countless people but now it’s time to turn the tables on you. What is one thing people don’t know about Paul Heil?

Paul Heil: You may not know that at the present time our business is entirely our family – Shelia and I and our two sons, Jason and Andrew. What a blessing it is to see them and
work with them every day! And there’s one thing that most people, I hope, do know about Paul Heil — but if they don’t, it’s this: first and foremost, he loves the Lord.

Find Gospel Greats Here

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

Tune In Alert: Booth Brothers on Paul Heil

Booth Brothers

From the Booth Brothers:

We want to let you know that we will be the Featured Artist on Paul Heil’s THE GOSPEL GREATS program that will air this weekend. You can find out if it is broadcast on a radio station in your area by going to THE GOSPEL GREATS’ website (www.thegospelgreats.com) and use the “Station Finder” in the upper left corner of most pages.

Paul Heil

If no local station is available, the program is broadcast on Sirius/XM’s enLighten channel #65 and is also streamed online at this link:
www.thegospelgreats.com/webstations.htm. We hope you will tune in or access the program online! The Booth Brothers, PO Box 847, Spring Hill, TN 37174. 866-722-6684.

www.boothbrothers.com

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Mark Dubbeld Family on Gospel Greats this week

Mark Dubbeld Family

Nashville, TN (December 7, 2015) –The Mark Dubbeld Family to be featured artists on Gospel Greats Radio program to be aired nationally on December 12, 2105.

Hosted by Paul Heil, the Artist Spotlight segment of the Gospel Greats features music and interviews of artists that listeners get to know by hearing their heart for ministry.

“Warm Family Christmas” is a masterfully produced CD that paints a clear message about the gift of Jesus on that Bethlehem night.  The Mark Dubbeld Family is renowned for inspired originally penned songs, family harmony and a sincere desire to communicate the Gospel.  The project includes music that is original and some great standards.

Mark Dubbeld Family

Unique to The Mark Dubbeld Family is that they utilized their own gifts for writing and then set the lyrics to that special blend of tight family vocals.  Mark Dubbeld has a long history in Gospel music and stands with his wife Janene who is an accomplished writer.  As parents, Mark and Janene love the music but most especially the message and have raised Elena Dubbeld, 19-year-old daughter, as the group’s soprano.  “The world that my brothers and I will face is different than my parents.  I take my place on stage to demonstrate to my generation that we need to stand firm!”  Rounding out The Mark Dubbeld Family are sons Channing and Britton.  Both of these talented young men provide vocals and a special touch of excitement for such tender years.  At just 11 years old, Britton would rather play outside, but when it is time to share Jesus, he is standing right in the middle!

In addition to their singing, the web site features a full resource center where visitors can also purchase children’s books.  The books are just one way that when you meet this family, you know that raising children God’s way is where The Mark Dubbeld Family’s focus is.

The Mark Dubbeld Family lives with a song to sing, a word to write and a call to answer.

To purchase the new CD or for more information about the Mark Dubbeld Family, please visit http://www.mjdubbeld.com or check out ITunes for downloads.

To host The Mark Dubbeld Family at your church or ministry event contact Sophia Davis of the Adoration Agency.  Visit the website at adorationagency.com or call615-590-7453.

To learn more about The Mark Dubbeld Family contact, visit mjdubbeld.com.

Like them on Facebook HERE.

Follow them on Twitter @mdubbeldfamily.

For more news click onto SGN Scoops Facebook page.

Greenbrier Quartet Festival: Daywind Music Group brings Quartet Music to the prestigious Greenbrier Resort

The Gould’s Featured On Paul Heil’s Artist Spotlight

Joplin, MO (November 7, 2014) Up-and-coming family group, The Goulds, will be Paul Heil’s Artist Spotlight segment guests on THE GOSPEL GREATS program airing nationally the weekend of November 8th.
Paul Heil’s Gospel Greats is a nationally syndicated Southern Gospel radio program that features the genre’s top talent. The Goulds will join the ranks with other notable artists, such as The Isaacs and Karen Peck.

This week’s broadcast will feature a 12 minute segment including an interview and music from the Goulds. You won’t want to miss this exciting highlight in the career of this young group.

Patriarch of the group Tim Gould said, “We are working very hard to see our group succeed and this interview is very significant in attaining our goals.”

Visit www.thegospelgreats.com/search/ to find which radio stations broadcast Paul Heil’s Gospel Greats.

To learn more about the Goulds you can go to http://www.gouldsmusic.com or https://www.facebook.com/gouldsmusic . They can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GouldsMusic

You can reach the Goulds for booking at Signature Artists Agency duanegarren@att.net .

             ****

About The Goulds
The Goulds are a normal everyday family who enjoy spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through song. They are based out of Joplin, Mo. and travel the country wherever God opens doors. The Goulds attend and serve at Christ’s Community United Methodist Church in Joplin, Mo. and invite you to come and worship with them every chance you get. Most Sunday’s will find the Goulds serving through song in another church but the staff and members of Christ’s Community UMC welcome you with open arms. The Goulds have sung along side many groups including The Lesters, The Mark Trammell Quartet, The Blackwood Brothers and many others. The Goulds are known for their tight harmony and uplifting message that touches young and old alike.

Mercy’s Well Featured On The Gospel Greats

Mercy’s Well

Nashville, TN (October 9, 2014) – Powerhouse Christian music artist, Mercy’s Well, was the featured group this past weekend on the highly-acclaimed syndicated Gospel music radio show, The Gospel Greats.

The Southern Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce Class Of 2014

Hall Of Fame 2014

The Southern Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce the eight individuals who are the 2014 inductees to the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Each of the inductees have left their own special touch on Southern Gospel music, and as a result, it is only fitting that his or her contributions and work be forever honored.

Southern Gospel Music Association president Arthur Rice says, “As we have been with each inductee class, we are very excited to have another group of Southern Gospel pioneers and leaders come into the Hall of Fame membership. The Southern Gospel Music community has certainly benefited from the work and dedication of these people through the years.”

The newest members of the Hall of Fame are…

Colbert Croft (deceased)

Eddie Crook

Claris G. “Cat” Freeman (deceased)

Paul Heil

Claude Daniel Hopper

Warren Lester Roberts (deceased)

Faye Ihrig Speer

Francis Jane “Fanny” Crosby Van Alstyne (deceased)

Induction honors will take place during the National Quartet Convention to be held Sept. 21-27, at The LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Inductions and tributes for the deceased members of the “Class of 2014″ will take place during selected evening NQC performances. The Singing News Fan Awards on Thursday afternoon will host the induction honors for the living members of the 2014 class.

Read more »

Steve Hess and Southern Salvation will be the Featured Artist this coming weekend on the Gospel Greats with Paul Heil

Nashville, Tennessee- The inspiring trio of Steve Hess and Southern Salvation will be the Featured Artist this coming weekend on the Gospel Greats with Paul Heil.

Paul Heil will be showcasing the trio and their latest recording Living Proof. Living Proof contains the current single which is increasing in momentum in national radio airplay “Mountain of Grace:” which was penned by premiere songwriter Dianne Wilkinson. To accompany the song selections from the recording that will be shared on this weekend’s program by the trio, you will also hear Steve Hess tell about the mission and ministry of the group, member Jay Arview give a powerful testimony of the birth of his son, as well as the riveting testimony of John McCall’s motorcycle accident several years ago when he was declared legally deceased but God brought him back to life through prayers of Christian family members.

Steve Hess quotes, “ On behalf of, John McCall, Jay Arview and myself, to be featured on “The Gospel Greats” is a huge honor for us. We are grateful to Paul and Shelia Heil for their support.”

The program will air this coming weekend June 7th and 8th on numerous radio outlets including Sirrus XM Enlighten and the Armed Forces Radio Network.

Tune-in Alert – Bowling Family On Paul Heil’s Gospel Greats Program

Nashville, TN (January 24, 2014) Southern Gospel Music’s Bowling Family is making a comeback after recovering from a devastating bus accident more than three years ago. Now they’ve recorded a new CD appropriately titled “Safe After The Storm.”

The Bowlings will be Paul Heil’s Featured Artists on this weekend’s edition of The Gospel Greats. You’ll find out why so many of their songs are relevant considering what they’ve gone through.

This will also be Paul’s official Singing News Top 20 Countdown for February. It’s all happening on The Gospel Greats program, this weekend, January 25/26.

You can learn more about the Bowling Family at http://www.bowlingsonline.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bowling-Family .

You can reach the Bowling Family by E-mail at contact@bowlingfamilyonline.com .

The Bowling Family is booked by the Beckie Simmons Agency – http://bsaworld.com – 615-595-7500.

Information about Paul Heil’s Gospel Greats Radio Program is at http://www.thegospelgreats.com .