Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

CLASSIC ARTISTS RECORDS and THE SHELTONS ANNOUCE PARTNERSHIP

Written by Staff on August 31, 2018 – 2:50 pm -

Classic Artists Records, LLC and the Sheltons announce an exclusive partnership that covers recording, promotion and artist development. This partnership is an extension of friendships that have spanned over 30 years.

 

Charlie Griffin says, “I am really excited at the opportunities we have together. The Sheltons are truly a rare gem in southern gospel music. Pure class on stage and off, they are the real deal. They are just good people! The Sheltons have repackaged their new cd under the Classic Artists label.  “A Childs Request” is a cd collection of heritage songs that truly reflect a strong message of faith and hope but more importantly features that Shelton family harmony. There new radio single I KNOW YOU is charting nationwide and entered the Singing News Chart at 78 after a one month release.”

 

With Classic Artists Records, The Sheltons will be more focused on building lasting relationships with gospel music fans, promoters, pastors and being available for media. There will be an increased emphasis on conventional, internet and pay on demand radio and TV. The Sheltons have an interactive website and look to be engaged with gospel music fans with various internet promotions and projects. The future is indeed bright for the Sheltons and Classic Artists Records.

 

THE SHELTONS started singing in 1960 as the George Shelton Family from Pickens, S.C. They sung at local church revivals and homecomings in Pickens, Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg and Oconee Counties. It wasn’t long until they found themselves also singing throughout Western NC and North Georgia releasing five recordings along the way from 1960 to 1964. The group at that time consisted of brothers and sister: George Shelton, Jr and Sandra Shelton, Gail Shelton, Devon Shelton; Elwyn Shelton and father, George Shelton, Sr who played rhythm guitar.

 

By the mid 60’s they had won an Arthur Smith talent contest gaining them an appearance on his television show.  They also appeared on the nationally syndicated Bob Poole TV show and the Harvesters Quartet TV show. They began touring full-time across the U.S. appearing in churches, city auditoriums, high schools and county fairs and were soon invited to become part of The Blue Ridge Quartet’s nationally syndicated television show and toured the U.S. and Canada with them from 1970-72.

 

They also appeared on the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, WV and on the Grand Ole Gospel Opry at the Ryman Auditorium and Opryland in Nashville, TN. With the Blue Ridge Quartet, the Sheltons recorded one album (Together) that cemented a life-long friendships with Kenny Gates, Bill Crowe, Laverne Tripp, Donnie Seabolt, Fred Daniel and Burl Strevel. The family is quick to acknowledge “To them we owe a debt of gratitude and respect.”

 

As their albums had started receiving increased radio airplay in 1967 they were offered a recording contract on the HALO label with MARK V recording studio in Greenville, SC.

 

Today Sandra, Frankie and George Jr carry on the family’s rich tradition of sharing their message of faith and hope through Southern Gospel music. He continues, “58 years is a long time but we still love singing as a family. It gets better all the time!”

 

In May 2016 THE SHELTONS were inducted into the South Carolina Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The first time since the SC Hall Of Fame inception that an entire group was inducted at once.

 

George shares “The first Halo album we recorded was titled “Heartfelt Gospel” and has the first known recording of the song “Jesus Is Coming Soon.” They introduced the song to their lineup in 1966. 50 years ago this year! Today this song still gets such a positive response. It is truly a southern gospel classic!”  That song goes along way with their induction in the SC Hall Of Fame. It is a Shelton’s trademark song. The Sheltons are also credited for introducing another classic song, JESUS IS MINE.

 

Classic Artists Records is a recording network of artists who are friends and share a common bond in music, attitude, entertainment and faith. Friendships that have lasted over 30 years or more mold this network of co-operation. Life is a journey and yes, “We are in this thing together!”

 

Today Classic Artists Records shares one mission- a quality recording with real message music. Our artists seek to provide a real life affirming, positive messages in churches, auditoriums, concert halls, festivals, fairs and any number of concert venues. On a recording or in person, the mission is constant.

 

It is gospel music! There will be lots of singing, laughs, sharing and even some teaching in the personal appearances of the Classic Artists Records talents. Gospel music is message music that is encouraging and fun anytime. On the radio? It is pure listening enjoyment!

 

It is entertainment! Yes, we want you to enjoy the music and stories. We want you to allow the blessings of life to provide “joy for the journey.” We want you to take a song and sing it long after the concert ends.

 

Whether you schedule one or more artists for your next time of worship, singspiration or night of gospel music, you will enjoy the professionalism and quality of music that is shared with your friends at Classic Artists Records!

 

As the Sheltons are experiencing a renewed energy in gospel music, you can enjoy them in your church, concert venue or special event. Contact The Sheltons, George Shelton, Jr at 352-238-3833. You can email sheltongjr@aol.com. You can visit their website www.theSheltonsound.com for more information on the music and news.

 

Classic Artists Records music downloads are available now from MusicRadioGroup.com. Access each artist by name for the current releases for conventional, internet and pay-on-demand radio programming for current Classic Artists Records talent, The Sheltons, Pine Ridge Boys and Charlie Griffin.

 

For more information concerning Classic Artists Records, LLC call 704-552-9060 or ClassicArtistsllc@gmail.com. Follow on Facebook as well, https://www.facebook.com/ClassicArtistsRecords or www.ClassicArtistsRecordsllc.net .

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Tags: Charlie Griffin, Christian Music, Classic Artist Records, gospel music, Sheltons
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Carroll Cooke’s Lowesville Gospel Concerts Making an Impact

Written by Staff on May 4, 2018 – 10:07 am -

Charlie Griffin of SGNScoops’ Magazine tells the

story of one of the fastest growing gospel concert series

Carroll Cooke is a man on a mission, with a passion that is manifested by his actions and his love of gospel music. But when you get to know him, you will find out he just loves his family and everyone. He has never met a stranger. Gospel music is just one of his many interests.

His music is rooted in his faith. Cooke says, “I was saved when I was 10 years old. I don’t remember the church or the message. I do remember going to my dad and mom, telling them I had to go to the altar. The preacher led me in the sinner’s prayer and I accepted Jesus into my heart and he saved me forever. The preacher asked

me to say something and all I could get out was, ‘I just want to thank him,’ ‘I just want to thank him,’ and to this day, I still just want to thank him.”

Over the years Cooke has been a singer, active church member, choir member, deacon, business owner, husband, father, and community leader. Each phase of his life has been fulfilled in so many ways. Yet in the last five years, his life has come into a richness that is being showcased in the small community of Lowesville, N.C.

His love of gospel music started at a young age. Cooke shares, “My dad (Roy A Cooke), mom (Lois Cooke), sister (now Hazel Sain), and I began singing as a quartet when I was six years old. We did this every weekend for about 15 years, then the next 40 years, I served as minister of music at different churches in and around the surrounding counties.

I have only been trying to promote our music since late 2012.

“My dad was the most influential person in my life,” confesses Cooke. “He lived and breathed music. He was the choir director at our local church, and he wanted so badly for everyone who had a desire to sing, to be able to sing, and sing well. He would have V. O. Fossett of the Stamps Baxter Music School from Dallas, Texas, come for two weeks and teach the old shaped notes, along with voice, piano, and harmony. He then would go beg other churches in the area to have Fossett come teach at their church, and he was successful in doing just that. This way, we would attend singing schools about all summer.”

Sometimes it was more than just the singing. Cooke loved the buses too. “The first concert I ever remember attending was promoted by Charlie Burke at a ballpark in Newton, N.C. I don’t even remember who sang, I just remembered the busses, and thinking what a life that would be. I was probably 10 or 12 at the time. At 75, I have no desire to crawl in one of them, I just love to see them

pull in and pull out.”

During those years, his family grew. He became a leader in the community and in the church while developing a successful business. Cooke operated the Lowesville Automotive Warehouse in the Lowesville community near Stanley, N.C. Upon his retirement in 2012, he sold the property to Living Word Ministries.

In that former parts warehouse and store, Living Word Ministries shares the gospel with regular worship services each week since August 2012. Pastor Derrick Dellinger leads a growing church that is on fire for God. Their Outreach ministries are impacting the surrounding communities by helping the needy, feeding the homeless, and loving people. They present the gospel in a way that the new Christian can understand and

the mature disciple can continue to grow and be inspired, in a shame-free environment. No attitudes or judgment found at LWM, just a church family that is excited about what God is doing in the community.

As the church grew, Cooke found a desire to reach the community in a new outreach: Saturday night Southern gospel concerts. With the encouragement of Pastor Dellinger, Cooke started in January 2013 with concerts on the second and fourth Saturday nights of each month. That is 24 concert promotions each year.

Read more »

Tags: Carolina Quartet, Carroll Cooke, Charlie Griffin, Cockman Family, gospel music, Guardians, Heart 2 Heart, hyssongs, Jaidyns Call, Jeanne Johnson, Jordan's Bridge, lefevre quartet, Lowesville Gospel Concerts, nelons, Pine Ridge Boys, sgnscoops, Sheltons, Shireys, Troy Burns Family, Wisecarvers
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WLOSGMH 2017 Convention includes the Williamsons, Freedom Quartet and more

Written by Staff on March 24, 2017 – 1:59 pm -

The social media phenomenon We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History (WLOSGMH) is holding a social gathering. Commonly referred to as the Convention, the Facebook group administrators have announced the talent line up for the two day event.

Held March 27 and 28, 2017 at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Murfreesboro, TN the talent quartets, trios, soloists, some comedy and lots of surprises that will highlight the talent portion of the convention.

The WLOSGMH Convention begins Monday, March 27th. The evening begins with a dinner concert at 5:30 pm with7:00 pm concert following. The talent includes: Ann Downing, Williamsons, Sheltons, Collectors Quartet, Charlie Griffin, Administrators Quartet, Johnny Minick and Friends, Freedom Quartet.

Tuesday is a full day of activities! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. enjoy two video productions featuring some of the greatest gospel singing of all time. There will also be a short concert featuring some of the musicians who have joined us. This is always a fun time, because we never know who may decide to show up and entertain us. There will be instrumentalists, soloists, and possibly even a Scrap Iron Quartet or two. For those who have purchased the event package, lunch is provided.

 

Tuesday also features two of the convention highlights “Story Time with the Gospel Legends and Show & Tell.” During this time the collectors will also have an opportunity to show some of their classic memorabilia from the gospel singing world; while gospel music road warriors tell some of their funniest stories.

 

Tuesday evening show begins at 6:00 with talent to include: Matt Felts, Harold Timmons, Jordan’s Bridge, Ann Downing, McCray Dove, Jeff Stice, Williamsons, and a special tribute to some of our favorite singers by the Administrators and Collectors.Throughout the convention, various singers, collectors, and merchants will have their wares available for purchase. This is a one of a kind event to add interesting items to your gospel music collection.

 

We have listed the artist websites for your convenience. Get to know them and their music. You will find a wealth of talent, music, passion and as Granny says “just good people.” Your support of these fine artists is greatly appreciated.

 

ARTIST:                      WEBSITE:

Ann Downing               www.anndowning.com

Charlie Griffin              www.CharlieGriffin.net

Ellen Marsh                  www.EllenMarshMusic.com

Freedom Quartet www.freedomquartet.com

Gospel Gallery/

Harold Timmons         www.facebook.com/thegospelgallery

Jeff Stice                       www.jeffsticemusic.com

Johnny Minick             www.johnnyminick.com

Jordan’s Bridge            www.jordansbridge.com

Matt Felts                     www.facebook.com/felts3

McCray Dove               www.newdovebrothers.com

Rita Spillers                  www.facebook.com/themusiclady

The Sheltons                www.facebook.com/SheltonMusicPickensSC

The Williamsons         www.Williamsonsmusic.com

 

“This convention is an internet social gathering of friends.” Administrator Harold Timmons says, “It is not a time for preaching, nor politics. It is not a church service, nor a political rally. Friends are in for two nights of fine Christian entertainment.”

 

The Clarion Hotel is the convention headquarters. Located at 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact the hotel at 615-896-2420 asking for the WE LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY CONVENTION ROOM DISCOUNT.

 

For complete fan package, concert tickets, hotel and event information visit www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/.

For more Gospel music news, click here.

Tags: Administrator’s Quartet, Ann Downing, Charlie Griffin, Collector’s Quartet, Freedom Quartet, Harold Timmons, Jeff Stice, Johnny Minick and Friends, Jordan's Bridge, Matt Felts, McCray Dove, Sheltons, We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History, Williamsons, WLOSGMH, WLOSGMH Convention
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WLOSGMH Convention announces two-day Schedule

Written by Staff on March 17, 2017 – 12:02 pm -

People have been asking a lot of questions about the We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History (WLOSGMH) Convention. The interest created has gospel music fans driving and flying from across the states and from the Netherlands. In fact over 37,000 group members are creating the stir with gospel music fans clamoring for more music and history.

 

This Facebook social media gathering has become the talk of the town as interest grows among gospel music fans to know more about the history of the music, performers and the gospel music foundation. The oral history is passed down today by those “you should have been there stories”, videos, music, and collectors who share their memorabilia. Vendor booths showcase those rare one of a kind records, photos, collectibles and do-dads making it a shoppers paradise.

Those coffee or booth conversations are truly a convention highlight.

WLOSGMH administrator John Crenshaw says, “In addition to our great artists, the WLOSGMH convention will feature some great videos featuring the groups from the past. You’ll see the Statesmen, Rebels, Blackwoods, Singing Americans, Speer Family, Happy Goodmans, Rangers Trio and so many others. Many of these videos are being shown here for the first time in more than forty years.”

One of the highlights of the convention is the show and tell session. Crenshaw states, “Many collectors will bring their prized possessions to share with the group on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the legends of gospel music will share their humorous road stories. The Tuesday evening concert will feature a tribute to some of the great voices of the past. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but you’ll laugh and cry as you enjoy this tribute.”

Activities for weekend start with members arriving early to participate in a southern gospel tradition, a Red Back Hymnal singing. “On Saturday March 25th from 6-8, many of us will be attending the 4th Annual Rutherford County Red Back Hymnal Singing at Murfreesboro Missionary Baptist Church, 316 Fortress Blvd., Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37128.” Crenshaw continues. “Although this is not officially a part of the We Love Our Southern Gospel Music Convention, they have been very helpful to us, and we will have a special ticket offer available for those who attend the Singing. It’s a great start to the weekend!”

 

The WLOSGMH Convention begins Monday, March 27th. Here are some highlights:

The hotel atrium will be open for buyers and sellers at 10:00 a.m.

Check in and registration will be 3-4:30 with dinner served at 5:30. The Monday evening show begins at 7:00 with talent to include: Ann Downing, Williamsons, Sheltons, Collectors Quartet, Charlie Griffin, Administrators Quartet, Johnny Minick and Friends, Freedom Quartet

Tuesday is a full day of fun filled music and festivities! Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy two video productions featuring some of the greatest gospel singing of all time. There will also be a short concert featuring some of the musicians who have joined us. This is always a fun time, because we never know who may decide to show up and entertain us. There will be instrumentalists, soloists, and possibly even a Scrap Iron Quartet or two. For those who have purchased the package, lunch will be provided.

Tuesday will also have “Story Time with the Gospel Legends”. The road warriors need to prepare some of their funniest stories for this unforgettable time of sharing. The collectors will also have an opportunity to show some of their classic memorabilia from the gospel singing world.

Tuesday evening show begins at 6:00 with talent to include: Matt Felts, Harold Timmons, Jordan’s Bridge, Ann Downing, McCray Dove, Jeff Stice, Williamsons, and a special tribute to some of our favorite singers by the Administrators and Collectors.

Come on down, the price right at the WLOSGMH vendor booths.

Throughout the convention, various singers, collectors, and merchants will have their wares available for purchase. This is a one of a kind event to add interesting items to your gospel music collection.

“This convention is an internet social gathering of friends.” Administrator Harold Timmons says, “It is not a time for preaching, nor politics. It is not a church service, nor a political rally. Friends are in for two nights of fine Christian entertainment.”

The Clarion Hotel is the convention headquarters. Located at 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN. Contact the hotel at 615-896-2420 asking for the WE LOVE SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY CONVENTION ROOM DISCOUNT.

For complete fan package, concert tickets, hotel and event information visit www.facebook.com/groups/sgmhistory/.  

For more Gospel music news click here.

 

Tags: Administrator’s Quartet, Ann Downing, Charlie Griffin, Collector’s Quartet, Freedom Quartet, Harold Timmons, Jeff Stice, Johnny Minick and Friends, Jordan's Bridge, Matt Felts, McCray Dove, Sheltons, Williamsons, WLOSGMH, WLOSGMH Convention
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