Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

2nd Generation Nominated for Fan Favorite Artist of the Year

OAK GROVE, Ark. – (February 10, 2011) – Diamond Award winning trio 2nd Generation recently landed their second career nomination in the Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards. The popular trio landed a nomination in the category of Fan Favorite Artist of the Year – the sole category in the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards where the nominees are decided on by the fans.

“We are humbled and honored that our friends would get out there and nominate us for such a huge award,” mentioned 2nd Generation’s Elaine Parks. “Thanks to everyone who took time out of their schedules to vote for us! We are so amazed!”

Deon Unthank, administrator of SoGospelNews.com said, “2nd Generation’s nomination in this category is a testament to just how supportive fans are of their favorite artists. 2nd Generation’s family, friends, and fans all did their job and got the group this nomination! Congrats to such a great group!”

In addition to 2nd Generation, the Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category features a who’s who of Southern Gospel’s biggest names – including the Booth Brothers, Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Bowling Family, The Perrys, Beyond the Ashes, and McMillan and Life.

The Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Award nominees are chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community. Starting on February 1, 2011 – fans have gotten the chance to vote for their favorite songs, albums, and artists in Southern Gospel music. To see a complete list of nominees – visit http://www.absolutelygospel.com .

The 2011 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public and is tentatively scheduled to be streamed live on the internet like last year.

2nd Generation was recently named as one of 10 new artists to watch this year by AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com). The article, called “Ones-to-Watch 2011: New Faces. Fresh Sounds.”, was a part of the December 15, 2010 update for the popular e-zine and mentioned new artists that the staff of AGM felt would make the biggest impact in 2011.

2nd Generation was included alongside such names as Freedom, Statement of Faith Trio, The Taylors, Rod Burton, and others. To read the entire article – visit http://absolutelygospel.com/index/content/articles/feature-ones-to-watch-2011-new-faces.-fresh-sounds/ .

In addition, 2nd Generation ranked two songs on the AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 100 Songs of 2010 chart. The group’s hit singles “The Blood Covered It All” and “I’ll Not Fear the Crossing” ranked at #54 and #67 respectively according to the year-end figures of the AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 40 Weekly Chart.

For more information on 2nd Generation – visit http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com.

Dove Brothers Honored with 7 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Award Nominations!

BLADENBORO, N.C. – (February 10, 2011) – Multi-award winning quartet the Dove Brothers landed a stellar seven nominations in the 2011 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards program.  The nominees were announced in over 24 categories last month and the Dove Brothers were among the most nominated this year.

The popular quartet landed nominations for Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year (for the #1 smash hit “Hold On”), Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year (for Unshakeable), Male Group of the Year, and Best Live Performer. Group owner and manager McCray Dove also landed his first nomination in the Songwriter of the Year (Artist) category.

Dove also received two additional nominations apart from the group for writing the Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year nominated “Hold On.”

“We had a very good year in 2011,” mentioned McCray Dove. “We are so honored and humbled by these nominations. Thanks to everyone at AbsolutelyGospel.com for these nominations, and thanks to all the fans who are voting for us now!”

The Dove Brothers have been awarded three SGN Music Awards in the past – all in 2008 when the group won Song of the Year and Traditional Song of the Year for “I Can Pray” as well as 2008 Pacesetter.  In addition to this year, the group has now been nominated 46 times in the program, including six consecutive nominations in the category of Male Group of the Year.

The Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Award nominees are chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community. Starting on February 1, 2011 – fans have gotten the chance to vote for their favorite songs, albums, and artists in Southern Gospel music. To see a complete list of nominees – visit http://www.absolutelygospel.com .

The 2011 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public and is tentatively scheduled to be streamed live on the internet like last year.

According to AbsolutelyGospel.com, the Dove Brothers were named the most played artist of 2010 at Southern Gospel radio. Due to the group’s #1 hits “Hold On” and “If I Knew Then,” the Dove Brothers ranked #1 on the site’s Top 20 Most Played Artists of 2010 list.

In addition, the Dove Brothers’ #1 hit, “Hold On,” was named the #1 Song of the Year according to the site’s Top 100 Songs of 2010 list.  The quartet’s other #1 single, “If I Knew Then,” ranked at #10 on the list as well.

“If I Knew Then” is the debut single from the group’s latest, critically-acclaimed hit album Unshakeable. Unshakeable was also named one of the best releases of 2010 by James Hales, staff writer for AbsolutelyGospel.com.

The group just released the second single from Unshakeable.  “I Recall” (also penned by McCray Dove) has an immediate add date.

More information on the Dove Brothers can be found at http://dovebrothersquartet.com

AbsolutelyGospel.com Announces Nominees for 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards

Ed: SGN Scoops is humbled and proud of our 2nd consecutive nomination as Pacesetter of the Year!

Gaither Vocal Band Earns Most Nominations Among Artists, while Producer/Songwriter Wayne Haun Lands Most Individual Nominations
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (January 21, 2011) – The administrators and staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) are proud to announce the nominees for the 2011 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards. As in year’s past, the nominees were chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and select media representatives. Starting on February 1, 2010, the fans will get a chance to vote for their favorites in each category.

“Our family and site suffered a major blow earlier this month with the death of my wife and site founder Susan Unthank,” mentioned Deon Unthank. “However, it was never her desire that we cease operation after she was gone. We are moving forward because she wanted us to, so while this is going to be a very tough program for us to put on, we know that she is smiling down on us and giving us her blessing from Heaven.”

Chris D. Unthank, the newly named Content Manager of AbsolutelyGospel.com said, “More than anything, we really feel like these nominees represent what Mom loved so much about the awards. For example – looking at our Song of the Year category – you see a nice blending of sentimental favorites like ‘When God Has Another Plan’ and ‘I Still Glory In the Cross’ with smash hit singles like ‘Hold On’ and ‘Born to Climb’ mixed with songs that critics really embraced this year like ‘The Father & the Son’ and ‘When There’s No Hope, There Is Grace.’ Mom was really proud of the nominations this year, and for that reason, we are really excited about this year’s program as well!”

As far as nominations go, the Gaither Vocal Band landed a stellar nine nominations this year, more than any other artist. The group earned nods for Album of the Year and Progressive Southern Album of the Year (for Greatly Blessed), Male Group of the Year, Special Event Project of the Year (for the live CD/DVD Great Day), Best Live Performer, Fan Favorite Artist of the Year, and the premier award of the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, 2011 Pacesetter. In addition, group member Michael English earned his second consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year nod (an award he won last year) and a Producer of the Year (Artist) nomination.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Bowling Family each earned eight nods – with both groups landing in Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category (the only category chosen strictly by the fans).

Following behind those artists were The Perrys, Dove Brothers, Triumphant Quartet, and Booth Brothers with seven nominations apiece. Brian Free & Assurance and The Freemans both landed six nominations. Three artists received five nominations – The Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River and The Greenes.

Jeff & Sheri Easter and Legacy Five both earned four nominations, while several artists received double mentions, including Jason Crabb, The Dunaways, The Nelons, Beyond the Ashes, Crawford Crossing, Sisters, Gordon Mote, the Talley Trio, and Greater Vision.

Songwriter, producer and Signature Sound’s pianist Wayne Haun earned the most individual nominations for his work during 2010. In addition to landing in the Producer of the Year (Artist) category, Wayne earned an additional eight nominations for his songwriting and production work this year. – including three separate nominations in the Album of the Year category (for producing Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet, The Nelons’ Beside Still Waters, and Triumphant Quartet’s Love Came Calling).

Producer Lari Goss earned seven nominations – also earning three separate nods for Album of the Year (for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet, The Greenes’ Hallelujah, and Booth Brothers’ Declaration) and a Producer of the Year (Professional) mention (an award he won in 2009).

Earning four individual nominations were 2010’s Male Vocalist of the Year Michael English and producer Ricky Free. McCray Dove, Marty Funderburk, Kyle Matthews, Dianne Wilkinson, Bill Gaither, and Mike Bowling all landed three individual nominations for their work in 2010.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2011 Pacesetter are last year’s winner the Branson Gospel Music Convention, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, the aforementioned Gaither Vocal Band, digital news outlet SGN Scoops Digital, and syndicated radio program This Week In Gospel Music with Mickey Bell.

More information on the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, performers, and sponsors, etc. The date for this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 12, 2011. The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee and is free to the public. Like last year, the event is still tentatively on schedule to be streamed live as well.

The nominees for the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards are listed below:

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Born to Climb” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (W.Haun, J.Lindsey)
“Did I Mention” – The Perrys (K.Rowland)
“Hold On” – Dove Brothers (M.Dove)
“I Still Glory In the Cross” – Bowling Family (M.Funderburk, B.Smith)
“Somebody Died For Me” – Triumphant Quartet (C.Sutherland)
“Sometimes I Cry” – Jason Crabb (G.Crabb)
“The Father & the Son” – The Freemans (D.Wilkinson)
“When God Has Another Plan” – The Greenes (A.Keffer, D.Williams)
“When There’s No Hope, There Is Grace” – The Dunaways (R.Hendrix)
“Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” – Karen Peck & New River (S.Hill)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (L.Goss, W.Haun)
Beside Still Waters – The Nelons (W.Haun)
Declaration – Booth Brothers (L.Goss)
Evidence – The Freemans (D.Freeman)
Greatly Blessed – Gaither Vocal Band (B.Gaither, M.English, D.Phelps)
Hallelujah – The Greenes (L.Goss)
Love Came Calling – Triumphant Quartet (W.Haun)
Never Walk Alone – Brian Free & Assurance (R.Free)
Shine – Bowling Family (K.Bowling, M.Bowling, T.Penhollow)
Unshakeable – Dove Brothers (D.Crawford)

PACESETTER:
Branson Gospel Music Convention
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
SGN Scoops Digital
This Week In Gospel Music with Mickey Bell

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST:
The Akins
Beyond the Ashes
Crawford Crossing
Crystal River
Freedom

MALE VOCALIST:
Mike Bowling (Bowling Family)
Jason Crabb
Michael English (Gaither Vocal Band)
Joseph Habedank (The Perrys)
Devin McGlamery (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
Bill Shivers (Brian Free & Assurance)

FEMALE VOCALIST:
Chris Freeman (The Freemans)
Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)
TaRanda Greene (The Greenes)
Libbi Stuffle (The Perrys)
Sonya Isaacs Yeary (The Isaacs)

MALE GROUP:
Booth Brothers
Brian Free & Assurance
Dove Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Triumphant Quartet

FEMALE GROUP:
Perry Sisters
Sisters
Sweetwater Revival

MIXED GROUP:
Bowling Family
The Greenes
The Isaacs
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Karen Peck & New River
The Perrys

SONGWRITER (ARTIST):
Jim Brady (Booth Brothers)
McCray Dove (Dove Brothers)
Joseph Habedank (The Perrys)
Scott Inman (Triumphant Quartet)
Becky & Sonya Isaacs (The Isaacs)

SONGWRITER (PROFESSIONAL):
Marty Funderburk
Rusty Golden
Twila LaBar
Rebecca J. Peck
Kenna West
Dianne Wilkinson

PRODUCER (ARTIST):
Michael English (Gaither Vocal Band)
Wayne Haun (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
Ben Isaacs (The Isaacs)
Tim Parton (Legacy Five)
Roger Talley (Talley Trio)

PRODUCER (PROFESSIONAL):
Donna Beauvais
Jeff Collins
Ricky Free
Lari Goss
Michael Sykes

ENGINEER:
Steve Allen
Ron Fairchild
Gus Gaches (Legacy Five)
Terry Thompson
Kevin Ward

MUSICIAN:
Kim Collingsworth (Collingsworth Family)
Madison Easter (Jeff & Sheri Easter)
Gordon Mote
Tim Parton (Legacy Five)
Jason Webb

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SONG:
“By Your Grace, For Your Glory” – Gold City (D.Liles, K.Matthews, D.Puryear)
“Did I Mention” – The Perrys (K.Rowland)
“I Still Glory In the Cross” – Bowling Family (M.Funderburk, B.Smith)
“Somebody Died For Me” – Triumphant Quartet (C.Sutherland)
“You Were Faithful Yesterday” – Greater Vision (R.Griffin)

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN ALBUM:
A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (L.Goss, W.Haun)
Declaration – Booth Brothers (L.Goss)
Hallelujah – The Greenes (L.Goss)
Love Came Calling – Triumphant Quartet (W.Haun)
Testimony – Mark Trammell Quartet (L.Goss)

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN SONG:
“Both Sides of the River” – Crabb Revival (G.Crabb)
“He’s Alive” – Talley Trio (D.Francisco)
“I Am Redeemed” – Brian Free & Assurance (S.Marshall, J.D.Rowsey)
“Message of the Cross” – The Browders (M.Browder, S.Browder)
“Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” – Karen Peck & New River (S.Hill)

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN ALBUM:
Beside Still Waters – The Nelons (W.Haun)
Greatly Blessed – Gaither Vocal Band (B.Gaither, M.English, D.Phelps)
Healer of My Heart – Sisters (W.Pritchard)
Never Walk Alone – Brian Free & Assurance (R.Free)
Oasis – Crist Family (J.Collins, R.Crist)
Songs In the Night – Lauren Talley (L.Talley)

COUNTRY SONG:
“Born to Climb” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (W.Haun, J.Lindsey)
“Hold On” – Dove Brothers (M.Dove)
“The Father & the Son” – The Freemans (D.Wilkinson)
“When There’s No Hope, There Is Grace” – The Dunaways (R.Hendrix)
“Wounded Hands” – Gordon Mote (C.Borsage, G.Mote)

COUNTRY ALBUM:
Evidence – The Freemans (D.Freeman)
Shine – Bowling Family (K.Bowling, M.Bowling, T.Penhollow)
Times Like These – Austins Bridge (J.DeMarcus)
Turn Up the Music – Crawford Crossing (T.Thompson)
Unshakeable – Dove Brothers (D.Crawford)

SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT:
Accapella – Brian Free & Assurance (R.Free)
Better Day – Gaither Vocal Band (B.Carter, B.Gaither, B.Jennings)
Christmas – The Isaacs (B.Isaacs)
Jubilee 2 – Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Legacy Five (G.Wolfe)
Miracles & Memories – Bowling Family (K.R.White)

BEST LIVE PERFORMER:
Booth Brothers
Dove Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
The Freemans
Gaither Vocal Band

FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
2nd Generation
Beyond the Ashes
Booth Brothers
Bowling Family
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Karen Peck & New River
McMillan & Life
The Perrys
Triumphant Quartet

Branson Gospel Music Convention Named 2010 Pacesetter

BRANSON, Mo. – The SGN Music Awards were handed out this month in Smyrna, TN, and after its first year as a major concert event in the Southern Gospel Community, the Branson Gospel Music Convention was named the 2010 Pacesetter.

The Pacesetter Award honors individuals, companies, artists, events, and the like who raise the standard in the industry during the previous year.  Past winners have included such names as the Crabb Family, Daywind Records, Booth Brothers, artist manager Kathy Hannah and last year’s winner the National Quartet Convention (in addition to many others).  It is the most prestigious award handed out at the awards program.

Rod Burton, co-owner of YMR Productions, LLC said, “We are beyond thrilled to have received this recognition from peers and fans after our first year. Branson GMC is a labor of love and a work of friends and family. We are proud, excited, humbled, but mostly blessed to know it is making a difference to people.”

“The SGN Music Awards show was a beautiful night celebrating what gospel music is all about,” mentioned Kelly Burton, Program Director for the Branson Gospel Music Convention. “It was an honor for us to be there and to share this award with each other and with all the people who believe in Branson GMC.”

The Branson Gospel Music Convention was honored to be mentioned in the same category and stand along side such names like Crossroads Music Group, Chuck Peters and the SGShowPrep, SGN Scoops Digital, and Vine Records.

The SGN Music Award nominees were chosen by the staff of SoGospelNews.com (now known as AbsolutelyGospel.com) and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community. Voting was then open to fans to choose the winners.

The 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration took place on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee to a standing room only crowd.

The Branson Gospel Music Convention is put on by YMR Music Productions, LLC.   The company announced that the 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention is to take place beginning Monday evening, June 28, through Friday, July 2, 2010 at the Branson Convention Center across from Branson Landing.

Artists already scheduled for the 2010 event include the Chuck Wagon Gang, Blackwood Quartet, HisSong, Dino, Kenny Bishop, The Melody Boys Quartet, Young Harmony, McMillan & Life, Sunday Edition, Beyond the Ashes, Hinson Revival, 2nd Generation, Rod Burton, and many more!

More information about the Branson Gospel Music Convention can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com or by calling (708) 960-0111.

More information about YMR Music Productions, LLC. can be found at http://www.ymrmp.com or by calling 708-960-0111.

2010 SGN Music Awards Handed Out

Karen Peck & New River, Booth Brothers, The Isaacs, and songwriter Rusty Golden Named Big Winners

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The 2010 SGN Music Awards were handed out last night at a special concert celebration in Smyrna, Tennessee to a standing room only crowd. The award winners were spread evenly throughout the course of the evening as three artists and one songwriter walked away with four awards apiece.

Karen Peck & New River, who tied with the most nominations this year, walked away with Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year (for “I Want to Thank You”), Progressive Southern Album of the Year (for No Worries), and Fan Favorite Artist of the Year.

The Booth Brothers won their sixth Male Group of the Year award this year, as well as Progressive Southern Song of the Year (for “What Salvation’s Done For Me”), Best Live Performer, and Special Event Project of the Year (for Jubilee!).

The Isaacs only won one award as a group – Mixed Group of the Year. Otherwise, group members Becky & Sonya Isaacs won their second consecutive Songwriter of the Year (Artist) award, while Ben Isaacs took home his first Producer of the Year (Artist) award. Sonya Isaacs Yeary also won Female Vocalist of the Year.

Hit songwriter Rusty Golden was the most awarded individual of the night – taking home four SGN Music Awards for his songwriting contributions. He won Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year (for co-writing “I Want to Thank You”) as well as Progressive Southern Song of the Year (for co-writing “What Salvation’s Done For Me”). Rusty also won the coveted Songwriter of the Year (Professional) award.

The other most nominated artist of the evening, The Perrys, did not go home empty-handed. The popular mixed quartet walked away with three awards – including the overall Album of the Year for their critically acclaimed release Almost Morning.

The biggest award of the evening – 2010 Pacesetter Award – was handed to the Branson Gospel Music Convention – one of the Southern Gospel industry’s newest and most impressive multi-day events.

Jerry Salley and Wayne Haun both won two awards apiece for songwriting and producing respectively.

The event was hosted by Mike Bowling and Sonya Isaacs Yeary with additional emcee work by Madison Easter. The evening featured resounding performances from Jason Crabb, the Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, The Perrys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, the Bowling Family, HisSong, The Freemans, Beyond the Ashes, McMillan & Life, Soul’d Out Quartet, and sponsors the Mystery Men Quartet.

The event also hosted a multi-artist tribute to the longevity and leadership of Southern Gospel veterans the Singing Cookes. That performance – which featured The Isaacs, The Whites, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Perrys, and The Freemans – closed out the evening and was a highlight of the awards program.

“We can not believe just how amazing a night it was,” mentioned Deon Unthank, administrator for SoGospelNews.com. “We feel like these awards just keep getting better and better! We already can’t wait for next year’s Celebration!”

The SGN Music Awards are an annual award handed out each year by the staff at SoGospelNews.com and AbsolutelyGospel.com. Each January, the staff decides upon the nominees in over twenty categories. In February of that year, the readers of the site are then allowed to vote for their favorites. This is the ninth year the awards have been in existence.

The official sponsors for the 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration were The Mystery Men Quartet.

2010 SGN Music Award Winners:

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“I Want to Thank You” – Karen Peck & New River (written by Rusty Golden & Jerry Salley)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Almost Morning – The Perrys (produced by Wayne Haun)

PACESETTER:
Branson Gospel Music Convention

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Soul’d Out Quartet

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Michael English (Gaither Vocal Band)

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Sonya Isaacs Yeary (The Isaacs)

MALE GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Booth Brothers

FEMALE GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Perry Sisters

MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR:
The Isaacs

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Artist):
Becky & Sonya Isaacs (The Isaacs)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Professional):
Rusty Golden

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Artist):
Ben Isaacs (The Isaacs)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Professional):
Michael Sykes

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:
Steve Allen

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Madison Easter (Jeff & Sheri Easter)

BEST LIVE PERFORMER:
Booth Brothers

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR:
“If You Knew Him” – The Perrys (written by Rodney Griffin & Joseph Habedank)

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Almost Morning – The Perrys (produced by Wayne Haun)

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR:
“What Salvation’s Done For Me” – Booth Brothers (written by Rusty Golden & Dianne Wilkinson)

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
No Worries – Karen Peck & New River (produced by Mark Fain)

COUNTRY SONG OF THE YEAR:
“I Want to Thank You” – Karen Peck & New River (written by Rusty Golden & Jerry Salley)

COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Jason Crabb – Jason Crabb (produced by Jason Crabb, Otto Price, and Norro Wilson)

SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR:
Jubilee! – Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, and Legacy Five (produced by Gerald Wolfe)

FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Karen Peck & New River

More information on the SGN Music Awards and past winners can be found at http://southerngospelnews.com .

Hosts Announced for 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Deon and Susan Unthank, administrators of SoGospelNews.com, are proud to announce the hosts for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration.

Hosting the Awards Celebration this year are Mike Bowling and Sonya Isaacs Yeary.  Madison Easter will also be doing additional emcee work for the event.

Mike Bowling is a celebrated vocalist, producer and songwriter.  He is a 2-time winner of Male Vocalist of the Year in the SGN Music Awards (2005, 2007). Mike has won 9 SGN Music Awards over the course of his career as a vocalist and producer.  Last year, his group won three awards – including Song of the Year (for “Your Cries Have Awoken the Master”).  His family group, The Bowling Family, just released their new recording Shine.

Sonya Isaacs Yeary is no stranger to fans of Southern Gospel music. Her family group, The Isaacs, is a regular fixture on the Gaither Homecoming Tour as well as prominent figures in both the Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music communities.  Sonya has won eight individual awards in the SGN Music Awards as a musician, vocalist, and songwriter.  Sonya is currently the reigning Songwriter of the Year (Artist) – an award she shared with her sister, Becky, last year.

Madison Easter is the youngest individual to ever co-host the SGN Music Awards program. Easter is a beloved musician who travels with his family group – Jeff & Sheri Easter. Easter’s brand of humor has made him a popular individual on social networks and within the Southern Gospel community. Madison scored his first nomination this year for Musician of the Year.

“We are absolutely thrilled with our hosts this year,” mentioned Deon Unthank of SoGospelNews.com.  “We’ve got a lot of really neat things planned for this year – including a different kind of set up for our hosts. You aren’t going to want to miss the event this year! It’s destined to be our biggest and best yet!”

In addition, HisSong and Beyond the Ashes have been added as featured performers for the Celebration.  They will join previously announced performers The Isaacs, Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, The Perrys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Freemans, The Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling), Soul’d Out Quartet, and McMillan & Life.

The evening will also feature a mutli-artist collaboration that will honor the Southern Gospel veterans the Singing Cookes and the legacy that they have left and continue to leave today.

Additional performers and sponsors are still being confirmed and will be announced at a later date.

The date for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 13, 2010.  The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennesse and is free to the public.  The awards program will start at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

As far as nominations go, two artists tied for the most nominations among performers this year.  Both The Perrys and Karen Peck & New River landed a stellar nine nominations apiece – more than any other artist this year. 2008’s Pacesetter the Dove Brothers earned eight nods. Following behind those artists were Legacy Five, The Isaacs, and Booth Brothers with seven nominations apiece.  Triumphant Quartet and Brian Free & Assurance both landed six nominations.  Two artists received five nominations – the Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling) and Talley Trio.

Songwriter and producer Wayne Haun earned the most individual nominations for his work during 2009. Rodney Griffin earned six individual nominations for his songwriting work.  Earning five individual nominations were songwriters Marty Funderburk (2009’s Songwriter of the Year winner) and Rusty Golden. Gospel legend Bill Gaither, songwriter Joel Lindsey, and The Perrys’ lead singer Joseph Habedank all earned four individual nominations.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2010 Pacesetter are new Gospel music celebration Branson Gospel Music Convention, Crossroads Music Group, SGShowPrep’s Chuck Peters, digital news outlet SGN Scoops Digital, and Vine Records.

For a full list of nominees, visit SoGospelNews.com.

First List of Performers Announced for 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Deon and Susan Unthank, administrators of SoGospelNews.com, are proud to announce the first list of performers for the 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration.

Performers for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration include The Isaacs, Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, The Perrys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Freemans, The Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling), Soul’d Out Quartet, and McMillan & Life.

Additional performers and hosts are still being confirmed and will be announced at a later date.

“We have so much planned for this year’s awards program,” mentioned Deon Unthank of SoGospelNews.com.  “We will be making a big announcement at the event, so we hope that everyone who can join us, will.”

In addition, the evening will feature a mutli-artist collaboration that will honor the Southern Gospel veterans the Singing Cookes and the legacy that they have left and continue to leave today.

The date for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 13, 2010.  The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennesse and is free to the public.  The awards program will start at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

As far as nominations go, two artists tied for the most nominations among performers this year.  Both The Perrys and Karen Peck & New River landed a stellar nine nominations apiece – more than any other artist this year. 2008’s Pacesetter the Dove Brothers earned eight nods. Following behind those artists were Legacy Five, The Isaacs, and Booth Brothers with seven nominations apiece.  Triumphant Quartet and Brian Free & Assurance both landed six nominations.  Two artists received five nominations – the Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling) and Talley Trio.

Songwriter and producer Wayne Haun earned the most individual nominations for his work during 2009. Rodney Griffin earned six individual nominations for his songwriting work.  Earning five individual nominations were songwriters Marty Funderburk (2009’s Songwriter of the Year winner) and Rusty Golden. Gospel legend Bill Gaither, songwriter Joel Lindsey, and The Perrys’ lead singer Joseph Habedank all earned four individual nominations.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2010 Pacesetter are new Gospel music celebration Branson Gospel Music Convention, Crossroads Music Group, SGShowPrep’s Chuck Peters, digital news outlet SGN Scoops Digital, and Vine Records.

For a full list of nominees, visit SoGospelNews.com.

More information on the 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, additional performers, and sponsors, etc.

Branson Gospel Music Convention Named a 2010 Pacesetter Nominee in SGN Music Awards

BRANSON, Mo. – After its first year as a major concert event in the Southern Gospel Community, the Branson Gospel Music Convention was honored as one of five nominees for the 2010 Pacesetter in the SGN Music Awards.

The Pacesetter Award honors individuals, companies, artists, events, and the like who raise the standard in the industry during the previous year.  Past winners have included such names as the Crabb Family, Daywind Records, Booth Brothers, artist manager Kathy Hannah and last year’s winner the National Quartet Convention (in addition to many others).  It is the most prestigious award handed out at the awards program.

Kelly Burton, Program Director for the Branson Gospel Music Convention, said, “For this event to be recognized after its first year is the icing on the cake for us. We’re especially excited because it was an effort of our family and close friends, and we share the acknowledgment with them.”

“The reward of Branson GMC has been the continual testimony of artists and audience members who were blessed and challenged by the spirit of it,” mentioned Rod Burton, co-owner of YMR Productions, LLC.  “We are happy to be answering God’s call and happy others have appreciated how He used Branson GMC to stir people.”

The Branson Gospel Music Convention is honored to be mentioned in the same category and stand along side such names like Crossroads Music Group, Chuck Peters and the SGShowPrep, SGN Scoops Digital, and Vine Records.

The SGN Music Award nominees are chosen by the staff of SoGospelNews.com and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community. To see a complete list of nominees – visit http://www.sogospelnews.com .

The 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public.

The Branson Gospel Music Convention is put on by YMR Music Productions, LLC.   The company announced that the 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention is to take place beginning Monday evening, June 28, through Friday, July 2, 2010 at the Branson Convention Center across from Branson Landing.

Artists already scheduled for the 2010 event include the Chuck Wagon Gang, Blackwood Quartet, HisSong, Dino, Kenny Bishop, The Melody Boys Quartet, Young Harmony, McMillan & Life, Sunday Edition, Beyond the Ashes, Hinson Revival, Stutzman Family, 2nd Generation, Rod Burton, and many more!

More information about the Branson Gospel Music Convention can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com or by calling (708) 960-0111.

More information about YMR Music Productions, LLC. can be found at http://www.ymrmp.com or by calling 708-960-0111.

The Freemans Honored with 4 SGN Music Award Nominations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Popular Southern Gospel artist The Freemans were honored last week to receive four nominations in the 2010 SGN Music Awards.  Nominees were announced last Thursday on SoGospelNews.com – host of the popular awards program.

The Freemans received nominations in a variety of categories.  The group’s Top 10 hit – “Three Rugged Crosses” – earned the family their third consecutive nomination for Country Song of the Year (the group won the award in 2008 for the record-breaking #1 hit “He Chose Me”).  Group patriarch Darrell Freeman also landed his third consecutive nomination for Producer of the Year (Artist).  The group’s Christmas release – Christmas Memories – received a nomination for Special Event Project of the Year. (Darrell Freeman also received another nomination for producing that project.) Collectively, the group received their first Best Live Performer nomination – an award that is highly respected among other performers and fans.

Deon Unthank of SoGospelNews.com said, “Most of what makes The Freemans so beloved in this industry is their live shows.  They have an infectious energy that fans have come to love.  They are most deserving of this nomination – especially after utilizing more of the family in their vocals and arrangements.”

“We have to say ‘Thank You’ to the Unthanks and staff at SoGospelNews.com,” mentioned Chris Freeman of The Freemans.  “We are blessed to have such great group of people so devoted to Southern Gospel music.”

The SGN Music Award nominees are chosen by the staff of SoGospelNews.com and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community.  Starting on February 1, 2010 – fans will get the chance to vote for their favorite songs, albums, and artists in Southern Gospel music.  To see a complete list of nominees – visit http://www.sogospelnews.com .

The 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee.  The event is free to the public.

The Freemans will be entering the studio this month to begin work on the follow-up to the award-winning Eyes On the Prize album.  More information will be released on that at a later date.

To visit the newly designed website of The Freemans, visit http://www.the-freemans.com.

HisSong Garners 3 SGN Music Award Nominations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The staff of SoGospelNews.com announced their nominees for the 2010 SGN Music Awards last Thursday, and Southern Gospel trio HisSong was among those nominated in the popular awards program.

HisSong was honored to be nominated for three awards.  The group received their second consecutive nominations for Male Group of the Year and Traditional Southern Song of the Year (this year for “I Believe In Prayer”).  In addition, the trio landed their first ever nomination in the respected Album of the Year category for last fall’s Vine Records release Journey Through the Sky.

“We are so honored to be nominated for these awards,” mentioned Dennis Humphries of HisSong.  “The SGN Music Awards have quickly become one of the Southern Gospel’s most prized awards programs.  We appreciate them noticing our ministry. It means a lot to the group.”

The SGN Music Award nominees are chosen by the staff of SoGospelNews.com and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community.  Starting on February 1, 2010 – fans will get the chance to vote for their favorite songs, albums, and artists in Southern Gospel music.  To see a complete list of nominees – visit http://www.sogospelnews.com .

The 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee.  The event is free to the public.

HisSong released their sophomore recording for Vine Records/Crossroads Music this past September.  The new album, Journey Through the Sky, was produced by Dove Award-winning songwriter/producer Wayne Haun.

The album has already had a strong impact at Southern Gospel radio.  The debut single, “I Believe In Prayer,” is currently charting in the Top 10 on the Singing News Top 80 Chart and recently spent three weeks at #1 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart.

To order HisSong’s new project, Journey Through the Sky, visit their website at http://www.hissongmusic.com .  More information on ordering the disc can be found at their website.

HisSong is booked through the Dominion Agency.  For more information on how to book the popular trio, log on to http://www.thedominionagency.com or call (910) 484-6996.

HisSong also has a weekly online newsletter which gives fans of the group information on the ministry and much more.

More information on HisSong can be found at http://www.hissongmusic.com.  Fans are encouraged to visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/hissongministries.