Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

The Chitans sign with Horizon Records

The Chitans are, from left, Jayden, Jesse, Kayandra, Karlainah and Kaiziah.

Arden, North Carolina (May 14, 2020) — Like the message it serves, Southern gospel music knows no geographical boundaries. Kaiziah, Kayandra, Jesse, Jayden and Karlainah Chitan and their parents, Layne and Karen, spend most of the year traveling the world and serving the communities they stop in through ministering in churches, hospitals, nursing homes, senior homes, community centers, prisons, slums and on the streets — and though they’re based in Canada, the foundation of their musical ministry is the Southern gospel style they’ve listened to all their lives.
Now, The Chitans (website HERE) have signed with Horizon Records to extend that ministry through the release of “Set Apart,” their latest album produced by Roger Talley and recorded at Crossroads Studios in Arden, North Carolina.

“The first time I heard The Chitans sing, I was struck by how the audience responded to them. They made an instant connection that rarely happens,” says Talley. “I knew then that they have the potential to minister to people of every race and culture with their angelic voices and pure hearts. I’m excited about helping them broaden their ministry by partnering with them and Crossroads on this new release.”

“We, The Chitans, believe that God has set us apart for a special purpose. With that in mind, we are forever grateful to Him for the provisions, visions and directions that he has given to us daily,” the family adds. “We are very fortunate to meet and work with some great people that God has placed on our path. Crossroads/Horizons Records is one such entity. God knew what sort of help we needed as a family in ministry and he provided it through Crossroads.”

Though Southern Gospel is their chosen musical “home,” the sound of The Chitans has room for other influences, ranging from the accents of their native Caribbean region to the soulful rhythms of African-American congregations found across the northern continent. But whether they’re belting out an up-tempo song of joy, or offering a contemplative ballad, their music is always expressive, and always rooted in faith and tradition.

“We appreciate all the prayers, encouragement, support and hard work that everyone has given us as we labor together building up the kingdom,” say The Chitans. “With a new and organized team working alongside us, we know that the journey will become more exciting yet challenging, so, we solicit your prayers and support as we see where God is taking us.”

The Chitans will be releasing two singles — “Set Apart” and “Jesus Is Moving” — on May 22 ahead of a worldwide day of prayer they’re hosting.

Both songs can be pre-saved/added ahead of release on Spotify and Apple Music. Pre-save “Set Apart” HERE and “Jesus Is Moving” HERE.

Also titled “Jesus Is Moving,” the live-streamed worldwide day of prayer event will be May 30. Hosted by The Chitans, Jesus Is Moving will feature artists Brian Free and Assurance, The Talleys, The Whisnants, The McNeils from the United States; LYNC, The Cuffeys, Paschal Kalumbi, Tiffany Campbell-Dailey Smith from Canada; The Foster Triplets from Jamaica; Xclusive from South Africa and many others to be announced. Fans can tune in throughout the day on The Chitans‘ website, YouTube and Facebook.

About The Chitans
Kaiziah, Kayandra, Jesse, Jayden and Karlainah Chitan and their parents, Layne and Karen, travel the world singing wherever they are called upon to do so, to share Jesus’s love with all people, especially the children of the world.

Based in Toronto, Canada, the family travels the world, serving the communities they stop in through ministering in churches, hospitals, nursing homes, senior homes, community centers, prisons, slums and on the streets (feeding the homeless). The family has sung at religious, cultural, human rights and civic gatherings throughout Canada, the United States — including at The White House and on Capitol Hill — Kenya (Africa), the United Kingdom, the Caribbean including Bermuda and to heads of state in Jamaica, Grenada, Bermuda and Canada.

In July of 2012, the family received a Congressional Award from the United States of America, for volunteer work done on the streets of Brooklyn, New York.

The Chitans have ministered with Lynda Randle, Woody Wright, The Nelons, The Collingsworth Family, The Talleys, Mark Bishop, Gordon Mote, Guy Penrod, Bobby Jones on Bobby Jones Presents, RussTaff, Wintley Phipps, Bill Gaither and his Homecoming Friends, and have sung at Singing in the Sun, Gatlinburg Gathering, National Quartet Convention and Gaither’s Fall Fest.

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.

The Talleys release final album, The Music Goes On

Arden, North Carolina (April 24, 2020) — With a career that goes back more than 35 years, The Talleys (website HERE) have become one of the most recognized acts in Southern gospel. Now, they are bringing their performing career to a close with one last collection aptly titled, The Music Goes On. The album is now available to stream on all platforms.

The Talleys’ career goes back to when Debra, Roger, and Kirk Talley brought a fresh new sound, blazing trails that crossed over Christian music genres and became a foundation for many artists to follow. Roger and Debra left the road to raise their daughter Lauren, but later returned with her as part of the trio, quickly rising back to the top of the charts.

Now, that chapter comes to a close as Debra and Roger retire and Lauren continues as a solo artist.

“It is our hope and sincere prayer that our music has touched your life in some way. As you listen to the last collection from The Talleys, we hope that the lyrics will touch your hearts as they have ours,” say The Talleys.

The album begins with “The Healer In The Grave,” an upbeat song featuring Lauren, written by her, Lee Black and Kenna West that tells the story of three who received miracles from Jesus before His crucifixion. They wonder if His death will return them to their former lives. But then Jesus conquers death and rises from the grave, breaking all the chains that bind.

Lauren sings lead again on “Looks Like Jesus To Me,” a moving song about living in the image of Christ and treating broken people as He would. The song was written about a Nashville ministry for the homeless called The Bridge, which was affected by the recent tornadoes there. As the ministry continues to help the homeless and hungry of Nashville that have been devastated and displaced by the storm, The Talleys ask for those interested in helping to make a donation.

Watch The Talleys‘ video for “Looks Like Jesus To Me.”

On the rest of the album, Roger takes the lead on “This Day,” encouraging people to look at the bright side on a bad day. “If I can trust You with my forever / Then I can trust You, I can trust You with this day.” He’s featured again on the driving “Never Been A Time,” another positive reminder that God is always walking alongside us.

Debra is featured on “He Has,” a reminder that God has always been grateful, graceful and true. The song describes all the wonders Christ has done and what he continues to do in our lives. Other songs include “Triumphantly The Church Will Rise,” a re-recording of one of The Talleys’ biggest hits, and “Jesus Loves You,” written by Lee Black and Tony Wood.

The Talleys bring their final album to an end with a special message in “My Heart Is There With You.” Debra takes lead, wishing the blessings of peace, love and happiness to all who have enjoyed The Talleys’ music over the years. She sings, “It’s just a line to let you know I think of you and miss you so / And even though I’m far away my heart is there / You’re in my prayers and my heart is there with you”

“Our love and thanks go to all the wonderful writers that have allowed us to be the voice of their songs over the years. And to the musicians who have seen our vision for all our songs and bringing them to life, we couldn’t have done this without you,” say The Talleys. “To you, our friends, we thank you for supporting us, loving us, and for buying and listening to our music. While we won’t be ‘on the road’ in the future as a group, you are in our hearts and we are grateful that The Music Goes On.”

Listen to The Music Goes On HERE.

About The Talleys
The Talleys began in 1984 and enjoyed many years of success, including a Dove® Award and numerous Singing News Fan Awards. Following a three-year hiatus, the Talleys began performing together in 1996 with the current lineup of Roger, wife Debra and daughter Lauren, and today the Talleys remain a mainstay of Christian music.

The Talleys have enjoyed eleven number one songs, and have received numerous Singing News Fan Awards and Dove Award nominations. They are frequently recognized for their appearances on the Gaither Homecoming video series and concert tour, as well as In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and John Hagee Ministries. They have appeared on RFD-TV’s “The Music City Show,” and have toured overseas to Norway, Northern Ireland, Italy and South Africa. The Talleys consistently take their music with a message to hundreds of concert and church audiences of all sizes across America each year.

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.

The Talleys to release final album, The Music Goes On

Arden, North Carolina (March 6, 2020) — After years of writing, singing and producing music that propelled them to be one of the most recognized acts in Southern gospel, The Talleys (click HERE) are bringing their performing career to a close with one last collection aptly titled, The Music Goes On. The album is now available for pre-order ahead of its April 24 release.
The Talleys’ career goes back more than 35 years when Debra, Roger, and Kirk Talley brought a fresh new sound, blazing trails that crossed over Christian music genres and became a foundation for many artists to follow. Roger and Debra left the road to raise their daughter Lauren, but later returned with her as part of the trio, quickly rising back to the top of the charts. Now, that chapter comes to a close as Debra and Roger retire and Lauren continues as a solo artist.

“It is our hope and sincere prayer that our music has touched your life in some way. As you listen to the last collection from The Talleys, we hope that the lyrics will touch your hearts as they have ours,” say The Talleys.

The album begins with “The Healer In The Grave,” an upbeat song featuring Lauren, written by her, Lee Black and Kenna West that tells the story of three who received miracles from Jesus before His crucifixion. They wonder if His death will return them to their former lives. But then Jesus conquers death and rises from the grave, breaking all the chains that bind.

Lauren sings lead again on “Looks Like Jesus To Me,” a moving song about living in the image of Christ and treating broken people as He would. The song was written about a Nashville ministry for the homeless called The Bridge, which was affected by the recent tornadoes there. As the ministry continues to help the homeless and hungry of Nashville that have been devastated and displaced by the storm, The Talleys ask for those interested in helping to make a donation.

On the rest of the album, Roger takes the lead on “This Day,” encouraging people to look at the bright side on a bad day. “If I can trust You with my forever / Then I can trust You, I can trust You with this day.” He’s featured again on the driving “Never Been A Time,” another positive reminder that God is always walking alongside us.

Debra Talley

Debra is featured on “He Has,” a reminder that God has always been grateful, graceful and true. The song describes all the wonders Christ has done and what he continues to do in our lives. Other songs include “Triumphantly The Church Will Rise,” a re-recording of one of The Talleys’ biggest hits, and “Jesus Loves You,” written by Lee Black and Tony Wood.

The Talleys bring their final album to an end with a special message in “My Heart Is There With You.” Debra takes lead, wishing the blessings of peace, love and happiness to all who have enjoyed The Talleys’ music over the years. She sings, “It’s just a line to let you know I think of you and miss you so / And even though I’m far away my heart is there / You’re in my prayers and my heart is there with you”

“Our love and thanks go to all the wonderful writers that have allowed us to be the voice of their songs over the years. And to the musicians who have seen our vision for all our songs and bringing them to life, we couldn’t have done this without you,” say The Talleys. “To you, our friends, we thank you for supporting us, loving us, and for buying and listening to our music. While we won’t be ‘on the road’ in the future as a group, you are in our hearts and we are grateful that The Music Goes On.”

Pre-order The Music Goes On HERE.

About The Talleys

The Talleys began in 1984 and enjoyed many years of success, including a Dove® Award and numerous Singing News Fan Awards. Following a three-year hiatus, the Talleys began performing together in 1996 with the current lineup of Roger, wife Debra and daughter Lauren, and today the Talleys remain a mainstay of Christian music.

The Talleys have enjoyed eleven number one songs, and have received numerous Singing News Fan Awards and Dove Award nominations. They are frequently recognized for their appearances on the Gaither Homecoming video series and concert tour, as well as In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and John Hagee Ministries. They have appeared on RFD-TV’s “The Music City Show,” and have toured overseas to Norway, Northern Ireland, Italy and South Africa. The Talleys consistently take their music with a message to hundreds of concert and church audiences of all sizes across America each year.

About Crossroads:

Crossroads (click HERE) 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 News, read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

The 3 Heath Brothers bring youthful energy and a distinctive sound to Who We Are

Arden, North Carolina (October 2, 2019) — The next generation of Gospel Music artists have arrived, with powerful voices and a calling to spread God’s word. The 3 Heath Brothers (website HERE) are award-winning teenagers who have taken their talents into new territory with creative arrangements, song choice and production for their new Horizon Records release, Who We Are, making an impressive statement about their music, mission and beliefs. The album is now available for pre-order ahead of its November 22 release date.

Nicholas, Clayton and Christian Heath are North Carolina natives, whose parents raised them in faith. Their mother taught them to sing blended harmonies at an early age. Now, their powerful vocals and youthful energy have been melded into a new, distinctive sound.

“The 3 Heath Brothers are so talented that they can sing any style of music, but their heart is in sharing the gospel message through their music. We wanted this project to really speak to who they are — three young Christian men who are excited about sharing their unique musical style that showcases their passion for the gospel,” says Roger Talley, who produced Who We Are. “They appeal to every generation, and I feel this project does the same. I am excited for you to discover who The 3 Heath Brothers are.”

Who We Are shows the talent and beliefs of the brothers. There’s verve in their harmony in “Dream Small,” fierce vocal delivery in “Shaking in His Shoes” and reverent passion in “Give it To Jesus.”

The album includes covers of Contemporary Christian songs like “No Matter What” and “Self Less,” which are testaments of the 3 Heath Brothers’ reliance on God through trials and their desire to serve Him through their actions.

These songs, along with the inspirational pop notes of “Smell of Smoke” and “This is Who I Am” all come together to present the wide range of music the Heath Brothers can bring to the Gospel genre.

Other notable tracks include “I Believe You,” a song with an epic arrangement and powerful delivery about trusting in the Lord; “Mother’s Day Song,” a loving tribute to the sacrifices mothers make to raise their children; and “Give It To Jesus,” an original song written by Nicholas Heath.

“Most of our songs were not picked because they are fun — even though some of them are. They were chosen for the truth of the words. The songs on this album are words that we believe and that we want other people to carry with them. We don’t have songs to waste,” say the 3 Heath Brothers. “We are three energetic teenage boys that love to sing and have fun. We love people and love God and want to do our best to give Him 100%. We want to show that you can still have fun while being a Christian.”

Pre-order Who We Are HERE.

About 3 Heath Brothers

The 3 Heath Brothers are teenagers, Nicholas, Clayton, & Christian Heath from Thomasville, NC. They have been singing together as long as they can remember. Their mom, taught them to sing parts from a very early age and their dad is the Senior Pastor at Faith Community Chapel in Thomasville, NC.

When these young guys get up to sing, people are consistently shocked by their tight harmony, powerful vocals, and a cappella arrangements. In the summer of 2018, they won the Grand Champion Trophy at the NC State Annual Singing Convention. They recently performed at Dollywood, Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, and are Main Stage artists at Singing in the Sun 2019 and the Gatlinburg Gathering 2019.

Audiences won’t want to miss their young energy and passion for God. They love God and their goal is to promote Christ and demonstrate that you are never too young to give all you have to God.

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

Roger Talley joins the Crossroads Music team

Roger Talley joins the Crossroads Music team

Arden, North Carolina (July 22, 2019) — With years of experience as a producer and awarded Southern Gospel artist with his group, The Talleys, Roger Talley brings his expertise to Crossroads Music as he joins the A&R team with a focus on artists on the Horizon, Sonlite, and Skyland labels.

“I am excited to join the A&R team at Crossroads and thank Chris White and Mickey Gamble for giving me this opportunity. I have worked with them for several years as part of The Talleys and on recording projects by other artists,” says Talley. “I am looking forward to working with the incredible staff and sharing my years of experience in recording and artist development with some of today’s most talented up and coming Southern Gospel artists.”

The Talleys sing in the rain in their
“Grab Your Umbrella” video

Talley, an East Tennessee native, is an accomplished pianist, producer, and arranger. He began playing piano at a young age and joined The Hoppers after graduating from college. After that, he launched The Talleys with his brother Kirk and wife Debra, which took the Southern Gospel industry by storm and became one of the most sought after mixed groups in the genre with their groundbreaking arrangements. The group took a break from touring in 1993, but reformed three years later and now consists of Talley, Debra and their daughter Lauren.

Also known for his work in the recording studio, Talley has produced projects for artists such as Jake Hess, Ivan Parker, The John Hagee Family, The Collingsworth Family, The Kingsmen and Lauren Talley. He’s been awarded for his achievements from the Southern Gospel Music Guild Harmony Honors in 2004 and the SGN Music Awards in 2007 for Producer of the Year. Talley is also instrumental with the Abraham Productions team that puts on some of the largest concert events in the industry (Singing In The Sun and Gatlinburg Gathering).

“I am thrilled we are bringing Roger on to our A&R team. I’ve known Roger since I was a teenager and have always had a great working relationship and friendship with him,” says Crossroads’ Greg Bentley. “As Crossroads focuses on our Horizon-Sonlite-Skyland artists, his knowledge of what can make an artist successful as they grow their ministry will be valuable to many of our upcoming artists as well as our established ones. I also know he is highly looked upon in the Gospel Music industry for his business skills and the way he relates with other artists. Bringing Roger in to work with us will leave no question where Crossroads stands on the future of the Gospel side of the overall music industry.”

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.

July 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

For more Gospel Music news, read the SGNScoops Magazine every month!

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Roger Talley devotes his talents to beloved hymns on Timeless Piano Classics

Roger Talley devotes his talents to beloved hymns on Timeless Piano Classics

Arden, North Carolina  — One of Southern Gospel music’s most noted pianists, Roger Talley, devotes his talents to beloved hymns on Timeless Piano Classics, a moving collection of reverent music, now available on all streaming platforms.

With songs like “Tell Me The Story Of Jesus / I Love To Tell The Story,” “Tis So Sweet,” and “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart,” the full instrumental album of traditional songs is familiar, providing the same sense of comfort felt in church pews. Known for his simple yet elegant use of chords, Roger puts a spotlight on the beauty of each hymn. The simplicity allows for quiet reflection and humble worship.

Other songs include “God Will Take Care of You / God Leads Us Along,” “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “This Is My Father’s Word,” “Now I Belong To Jesus,” “Everybody Ought To Know,” “On Hallowed Hill (UT Alma Mater) / Tennessee Waltz,” “Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us / He Leadeth Me,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” and “Does Jesus Care.”

“I learned to love hymns listening to my grandmother play the old upright piano in her ‘parlor.’ It was a special treat to hear her play the stately hymns that we seldom sang at our church,” says Talley. “I love the lyrics and the beautiful music and the comfort that these classic hymns contain. I hope they sing to your soul as I play them.”

Listen to Timeless Piano Classic HERE.

The Talleys sing in the rain in their “Grab Your Umbrella” video

The Talleys sing in the rain in their “Grab Your Umbrella” video

Arden, North Carolina (August 17, 2018) –  The Talleys have captured the uplifting mood of their song “Grab Your Umbrella” with a light-hearted video that reminds us it’s not worth it to stay down when God is working things out behind the scenes. The video premiered last night at the Gatlinburg Gatheringput on by Abraham Productions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

“Grab Your Umbrella” tells of God sending relief when we feel the heat of life’s challenges and refreshing our spirits through showers of grace. In the video, Roger Talley is stuck in the desert, but has his umbrella ready. As the skies open up, he’s joined by Debra and Lauren Talley to revel in the comfort God sends with showers of blessings.

The Talleys’ “Finest Hour” Available Now

“I loved ‘Grab Your Umbrella’ the first time I heard it, and I love singing it every night. Not only is it a fun entertaining song, but it is also a great song of promise and faith,” says Roger Talley. “Filming this video was a blast! I was elected to ‘take one for the team,’ and you will see what I mean when you watch until the ending.”

Listen to “Grab Your Umbrella” and the rest of The Talleys’ latest project, Finest Hour, HERE and watch the video for “Grab Your Umbrella” below.

Read the full SGNScoops Magazine July 2018 HERE
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The Talleys: Singing through the struggle

Talleys. photos for keeps by erin stevens

Personable is a word that relates to the Talleys. With many fan awards and nominations, receiving a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year in 2015 with their hit, “Hidden Heroes,” releasing multiple well-known CD projects, releasing a fan favorite song and music video for their song, “People in the Line,” and many more achievements, the Talleys have lots to discuss. Yet, what is one to do when their talking is cut short? What happens when the voice you’ve used with such talent for so long is now unrecognizable?

For the past five years, Debra Talley has struggled with a condition called muscle dysphonia. It is a common condition that can affect someone greatly. Muscle dysphonia is a condition that affects the vocal chords and cartilages connecting the chords. This condition is when a strain is placed on the vocal cord muscle area in such excessive amounts that can result in vocal fatigue, neck discomfort, altered vocal ability and quality, and complete loss of voice. The past two to three years have been the hardest on Debra and her singing abilities. She described her singing struggle as her “increasing scale being stuck.” When the struggle began, it was a matter she kept private, but just recently she has realized it was a struggle she was meant to share.

Debra Talley

Debra has been treated and seen at multiple facilities, including Vanderbilt. Her most recent interaction has been with an outstanding Christian doctor by the name of Dr. Tom Cleveland.  We as Christians know that God works in mysterious ways. It just so happened that Dr. Cleveland became Debra’s doctor and has a background of music ministry. He not only became her doctor, but another voice of reason for her.  

It was soon after the struggle began that Debra realized this was more of a spiritual struggle than a physical struggle. When nothing was helping and the problem with her voice persisted, Debra’s daughter Lauren began explaining to her that it was time to “accept what is.” Debra then began to work on herself, as well as her relationship with Christ. Her first step was beginning Christian counseling. This would be the place where she would soon learn that her personal struggle may have been caused by emotions she has kept in for so long.

Debra soon realized it was time to deal with those emotions. Emotions from home life struggles to a 10-year-long struggle with her husband Roger’s parents declining rapidly, all the way to the prayer requests she was receiving from the people they were interacting with through their music and concerts. All of these served as triggers that, as they increased, made Debra’s muscle dysphonia condition worse.

“What was affecting my voice was what was going on in the inside of me,” Debra says.

Read more »

The Talleys – A Family Affair

The Talleys

The Talleys unmistakable sound, progressive southern gospel style, and ministering hearts have made them a fan favorite and one of the most respected groups in the gospel music industry. Their accolades include ten number one singles, Dove Award nominations, Singing News Fan Awards, the Southern Gospel Music Guild Harmony Honors, the BMI Awards, SGN Music Awards and the honors aren’t stopping. They keep rolling in. Although the group is noted for their powerful vocals, tight harmonies, smooth blend, and dynamic arrangements, colleagues insist The Talleys’ hearts are just as pure as their sound.

The group believes in giving back and pouring into the lives of others. Every year Debra and Lauren are heavily involved in teaching at Steve Hurst School of Music (SHS). Students come from across the United States to study under them. Gary Casto, lead singer and manager of Tribute Quartet, tells us, “Debra and Lauren are incredible teachers and have been instrumental in making SHS very successful.  Their knowledge of vocal performance has benefited the students, as well as our industry.”

Lauren Talley

Casto considers it an honor to know this incredible family. “They have set the bar high for many years and have paved a solid road for other artists to follow.”  Casto has also enjoyed working with Roger in the studio on numerous occasions. “He demands musical excellence and at times it can be quite challenging. He will always push artists to work their hardest. He insists they come up a level, but when he is finished, they always have a product they are proud of.”

Lauren has periodically provided vocal and performance coaching for groups and individuals.  She is proud that many of her students have developed into amazing performers and communicators. “When I am coaching, my purpose is to take the artist’s gifts and help them tap into their hidden potential. They hit notes they never dreamed they were capable of and learn the art of communicating a song. I never get tired of seeing the newfound confidence on their faces. It is the greatest feeling in the world.” Lauren’s clientele include: Susan Whisnant, The Browns, The Beene Family, Jody Brown Indian Family and most recently she coached 11^th Hour in preparation for their first NQC performance. “I am extremely proud of them all!”

When a student at SHS heard The Talleys sing in concert for the first time, she was deeply moved by their heartfelt performance and humility. She remarked, “Few gospel groups have left their mark and reached the pinnacle of success The Talleys have, yet they maintain lives of integrity and humility. It’s evident they believe what they sing.”

Debra Talley

Sheri Thrower has been a teacher at Steve Hurst School of Music for ten years. She has worked closely with Debra and Lauren. “I don’t consider them just co-workers, but genuine friends. If I could use two words to describe Debra, it would be “World Class.” She always carries herself with grace and dignity, and is a great encouragement not only to the SHS students, but to our staff, as well. She portrays beauty from the inside, out. I love her like family.”

Thrower considers the mega-talented group a beacon for all artists involved in gospel music. “Their tenacity, love, and heart for people is evident in everything they sing and do. They are stellar musicians. In a world where families are falling apart, they remain strong and secure, pointing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

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THE TORCHMEN RECEIVE 2012 COVENANT AWARD FOR SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

St. Catharines, Ontario (November 28, 2012) – The Torchmen Quartet from St. Catharines, Ontario were please to accept the 2012 Covenant Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the recent Gospel Music Association Canada event held in Burlington, Ontario. The nominated recording, Step Up, was arranged by Roger Talley and features songwriters Rodney Griffin, Jim Brady, Dave Randall and Richard Ash.

The Southern Ontario male quartet were also nominated for Southern Gospel Song of the Year for their song, “We Sing About A Saviour”, written by former member Dave Randall.
”Even though we do what we do to serve the Lord and touch people for Him with our music and words, it is appreciated to be recognized for all the time and work we put in to produce a product,” said Mike Moran, The Torchmen’s manager and baritone singer. “We just pray the Lord will continue to use our products to lift up His name. I wish I had the space to tell you some of the letters and comments we have received over the years from people that the Lord has blessed through our music. We are grateful for the privilege of singing for Him.”

The Gospel Music Association of Canada partnered with Crossroads Television System (CTS) for GMA Canada Week 2012 and the 34th Annual Covenant Awards held at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington and broadcast later on CTS. GMA Canada Week ran from November 4 through 7, 2012, featuring concerts, workshops, showcases and the Covenant Awards. More information on GMA Canada can be found at http://www.gmacanada.ca/ .

The Torchmen Quartet have been singing for over 40 years, becoming Canada’s premier Southern Gospel Quartet and raveling across North America. The Grammy-nominated Torchmen Quartet have been recipients of numerous awards, including the 2010 Covenant Award for Southern Gospel Song Of The Year and the 2007 Southern Gospel Album Of The Year. Current group members include Mike Moran, Jon Hisey, Sandy McGregor and Jeff Tritton. More information on The Torchmen Quartet can be found at http://www.torchqt.com/ .