Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

GUY PENROD VISITS ‘LARRY’S COUNTRY DINER’

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Gaither Music Group/Servant Records artist Guy Penrod recently visited one of the RFD-TV network’s most popular programs, “Larry’s Country Diner,” to share a few songs for an upcoming episode. Pictured (l-r) on the set are “Larry’s Country Diner” Sheriff Jimmy Capps and waitress Renae; Penrod; host Larry Black; church lady Nadine; and announcer and sidekick Keith Bilbrey.

Penrod and his band performed selections from his acclaimed solo recordings Breathe Deep (2010) and Hymns (2012). His “Larry’s Country Diner” guest appearance is slated to air across the country on RFD-TV Thursday, September 13 at 8 pm ET; Friday, September 14 at 10:00 am ET; and Saturday, September 15 at 11:00 pm ET.

Hymns debuted at #1 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Southern Gospel retail chart and at #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart following its release in March. The album is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.

One of the most popular shows on RFD-TV, “Larry’s Country Diner” garners 1.4 million viewers monthly. A down-home variety show featuring entertainment, interviews and music, the program is taped in front of a live studio audience in a country diner setting. For more information, please visit www.larryscountrydiner.com.

For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com.

GUY PENROD CELEBRATES #1 DEBUT WITH HYMNS

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Hymns, the sophomore Gaither Music Group/Servant Records recording from Guy Penrod, Christian music’s premier country recording artist, achieved chart-topping sales success following its release March 27.  Hymns was the top seller on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern Gospel retail chart; #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart; and entered The Billboard 200 at #85.  First-week sales of Hymns surpassed those of Penrod’s 2010 solo debut, Breathe Deep, which has gone on to sell more than 85,000 units.

Produced by Penrod and Pete Greene, Hymns showcases 13 of the award-winning artist’s favorite selections, including the debut single, “Does Jesus Care?,” a duet with the legendary George Beverly Shea.  The project also features “The Old Rugged Cross,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Count Your Blessings” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” among others.

Penrod’s 2010 Dove Award-nominated Gaither Music Group/Servant Records release, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and southern gospel radio singles.  A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year.  Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

Hymns is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.  The new recording is positioned heavily at retail and is being aired as part of a direct TV campaign on networks including GAC, RFD, GMC, TBN, FamilyNet, CTS, CTN, TCT, TLN, Airtime 1 and GMTN and in Canada on Grace, Legacy, Miracle and Vision.

For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com.

GUY PENROD CELEBRATES UNFORGETTABLE 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—For Guy Penrod, one of gospel music’s best-loved vocalists, 2011 marked a year filled with unforgettable milestones.  Led by the continued multi-genre success of his 2010 solo debut, Breathe Deep, Penrod’s visibility and acclaim experienced new heights within both the Christian and Country Music arenas.

Penrod is ending the year on a high note, having made his debut solo appearance on The Grand Ole Opry last month. As part of the Opry’s special Veteran’s Day show, the award-winning vocalist performed his current mainstream country single, “More Power To Ya,” and “Breathe Deep,” on the historic stage of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

In addition, other unforgettable moments for Guy Penrod in 2011 include:

Induction into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Dove Award Nominations for Country Album of the Year and Country Recorded Song of the Year (“Are You The One”)
ICM Award Nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year
80 concert performances across the US
Numerous dates in Europe and Canada
“2011 will go down as a year that my family and I will not soon forget,” said Penrod.  “Whether it was learning about the Dove and ICM nominations; hearing our songs played on both Christian and Country radio; or stepping foot on the Opry stage, those are all moments to remember.  However, none of that tops the support and love I felt from those we sang to across the country.  It is my prayer we were able to, in turn, provide them with encouragement and hope for their own journeys.”

Penrod’s acclaimed 2010 Servant Records/Gaither Music Group solo debut, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace.  Breathe Deep has sold more than 75,000 units to date, and has yielded successful singles in both mainstream country and southern gospel radio formats.

During his 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, Penrod performed before more than 5 million people on Bill & Gloria Gaither’s Homecoming Tours and was featured on Gaither television specials airing on multiple networks.  The Gaither Homecoming series and The Gaither Vocal Band sold more than 20 million CDs and DVDs while Penrod was a member.  Prior to joining the Vocal Band, Penrod was a highly sought-after studio singer in Nashville and appeared for three years on TNN’s popular “Music City Tonight” as a vocalist in the house band.

Penrod is looking forward to a full touring schedule in 2012, including performances at churches, theatres and special events throughout the country, as well as a European tour next summer.  For a complete tour schedule and additional information, visit www.guypenrod.com.