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The Old Paths release What Love Does

Arden, North Carolina (June 5, 2020) — Following a year in which they released two albums and had a #1 song with “Come Sunday Morning,” The Old Paths (website HERE), are sharing the many things God’s love can do on their new album, “What Love Does,” now available on all streaming platforms.

Each song captures the many ways God’s boundless love blesses each person, each day.

“What Love Does” begins with “This Is Amazing Grace,” telling of all that God has done so that we may live with love and grace. It’s followed by the first single, “I Got The Grace, He Gets The Glory,” a high-energy and upbeat song describing how God is always a solid foundation to stand on, despite sins and trials.

“When I heard this song, I couldn’t help but think that this is the theme for life as a believer,” says bass singer Daniel Ashmore who is featured on this song. “I can’t take credit for something I didn’t do and something I didn’t earn, therefore I get the grace and He gets the glory! That’s a message we want to share and this song sums it up perfectly.”

“You Can’t Get Away From God,” written by Kenna Turner West, Sue C. Smith and Brian White and featuring Doug Roark, inspired the album’s title. Each verse tells vignettes of how people in tough places don’t think they’ll find relief, yet God is always there for comfort.

The powerful “Pray While You Wait” reminds that God’s timing is always perfect. When life feels impossible, know God will come through and you can always pray while you wait.

Old Paths

“Bread,” another upbeat song, illustrates how God can accomplish the impossible through the story of the loaves and fishes, while the instrumental “How Great Is Our God” — which features Ashmore on saxophone — allows listeners to feel the music, and pause to appreciate it.

“Look At All I Lost” and the final song “Salvation’s Song” talk about no longer being lost after finding Christ, and being freed from guilt, shame and the weight of life. With powerful and moving vocals, these songs capture the theme of the album’s title — God’s love is capable of amazing things.

“We are so excited about this new album. The title ‘What Love Does’ is really the theme of the album, reflected in the song selection. We feel this is the best album we’ve done that really showcases our new sound with our current lineup,” says Ashmore. “Through our many failures and different circumstances in life, God exemplifies His love for us in His endless pursuit to save and change us. God is never late, and is always working all things for our good and His glory, because that’s what love does.”

Listen to What Love Does HERE.

About The Old Paths
In 2003, The Old Paths began its ministry taking the group’s name from Jeremiah 6:16 which says, “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for The Old Paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” With this vision in mind and a heart for ministry, founding members Douglas Roark and Tim Rackley started The Old Paths as a trio.

The group morphed into a quartet shortly after. They signed with Crossroads Music’s Sonlite Records in 2012. Their album “Right Now” was a breakout project for them producing two #1 hits, “Battlestand” and “God’s Great,” within a six-month span. In 2013, the group was named Favorite New Quartet in the Singing News Fan Awards, and songs like “Love Them to Jesus” and “Ordinary People” also quickly became fan favorites.

The quartet made the decision in 2015 to come off the road for a while due to family circumstances. While the decision was not easy, they left the door open for a possible return to gospel music and touring. When God opened that door for them in 2017, they were ready to walk through it. With a renewed passion for ministry, The Old Paths took the stage again at the Memphis Quartet Show in June 2017.

The group now consists of founding members Tim Rackley and Douglas Roark, longtime bass singer Daniel Ashmore and tenor Steve Ladd.

Tim, Doug and Daniel found the right blend with Steve to be able to come together as The Old Paths again. The goal of the group has stayed the same after all these years to see people come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and to encourage fellow believers. They are thankful that God gave them the chance to return to the platform again to sing and encourage. They could not be more excited about this new stage of their ministry and to see what God has for the group in the future.

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.

New roads for the Old Paths

The Old Paths

The Old Paths began as a trio in 2003 with a great sound but when they transformed into a quartet sometime later, this sound led them to the top of the charts. “Battlestand” and “Love Them to Jesus” made the group popular until 2015, when the momentum of the group formed by Tim Rackley and Douglas Roark ground to a halt.

The Old Paths – Daniel

“Changes in life come at times when we least expect them,” explains Daniel Ashmore, bass singer with the Old Paths since 2011. “When we felt the Lord leading us to come off the road, we didn’t know where we would end up or how we would get there. I can remember feeling led to come off the road and wondering how my wife and I would make it. God had already done some amazing things through the ministry of the Old Paths and all of a sudden, he told us to go home.  The hardest part about coming off the road was trusting that God would provide and open the door for the next step in my life. It was also difficult to see how God could continue to use me without singing on a normal basis. It is easy to have faith when everything is going well, but even harder when that faith is put to the test.”

The group’s faith was certainly put to the test when Tim Rackley’s daughter, Brianna, underwent a kidney transplant in December, 2014. Just a few months later, the Old Path’s tenor, Jeremy Peace, left the group. In mid-2015, the group announced they would be retiring in December, 2015. Health issues and family obligations, as well as the knowledge that the Lord was asking them to hit the pause button, caused the members to decide to park the bus for awhile.

“My wife and I just trusted God with His leading and just as he has always done, he provided more than I could’ve imagined,” Ashmore states. “He opened up a door for me to have a job where spiritual growth and serving others is encouraged. This, in turn, led to opportunities to talk with people on a everyday basis. Spiritually, it helped me learn to trust God even more and once he did as he always does – provide – my faith in him grew stronger. Coming off the road also provided the rest and refreshment that I needed at that time in my life. During the time off the road, God grew me personally in ways I didn’t know I could grow. God gave me a deeper passion to reach the lost through witnessing. I don’t know that I would’ve grown the way I did had we kept singing when the Lord told us to come off the road. God used that time off the road to do a work in me that he could apply when we hit the road again.”

The Old Paths – Tim

As for the Rackleys, things have come full circle for their daughter. “Brianna is now 21 years old and since her kidney transplant she is doing ‘super fantastic,’” says father Tim. “The Lord has really been real in her in all different ways. She is attending her first year of college and since back on the road I tell folks the best part is she has her first job.”

“I am so excited to be back doing what I loved to do and that is singing the Gospel of Christ,” Tim continues. “I also am glad that I get to see the friends we have met over the years before we stopped in December of 2015. The biggest thing that has changed since we stopped touring in 2015 is I got more sleep since I was home every week and with being on the road every week you don’t sleep as much.”

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Beyond the Song: Steve Ladd shares “The Thing About A Valley”

Steve Ladd

Jantina de Haan looks Beyond the Song by asking Steve Ladd about “The Thing About A Valley:”

“Rodney Griffin sent me the song,” says Steve Ladd. “I fell in love with it immediately.”

What does the song mean to you personally?

“We all have mountaintop experiences, but we all go through valleys as well. I’ve had my fair share. This song reminds people that (if/when) you are as low as you can go, it keeps you looking up! That’s where our help comes from!”

Why did you include this song on your project?

Steve Ladd, Come Up Clean CD

“The song turned out great and I love the drive that the music has.”

The Thing About A Valley (Rodney Griffin). Released August 2018. © 2018 Sonlite Records. From the album “Come Up Clean,” on Sonlite Records.

About Steve Ladd
As early as five years old while growing up in Dayton, Ohio, Steve Ladd felt the call of God to minister through song. The son of an evangelist, the youngster would mature to become one of the most well-liked and respected group member for some of America’s most award-winning Christian music ensembles like Gold City and The Anchormen. Although still considered a young artist, Ladd has spent the last four years traveling extensively both domestically and internationally. Performing inspirational songs like “Preach the Word” has become a personal anthem of encouragement Ladd takes wherever he goes and he reports “God moves and lives that are broken and hurting are leaving changed and encouraged at my services.” Professionally, Ladd has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, nominated for “New Artist of the Year,” has had five Top 40 Singles and on release day, and his latest album, No Excuses, No Regrets was in the Top 20 chart for iTunes Christian music. Steve, his wife, and two children are also ministry partners with Compassion International. While the beginning of an extraordinary journey started with his family, evolved into being an integral part of some of the most award-winning Christian ensembles, the last few years as a solo artist have proven the Lord’s faithfulness in his family, his ministry, and his life.

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Check out three new albums from Crossroads: Three Bridges, Steve Ladd, Wisecarvers

Arden, NC. (September 28, 2018) – Three Bridges, Steve Ladd and The Wiscarvers’ latest albums are now available from Crossroads.

Three Bridges is proclaiming that God’s word is for all generations and all people with their upcoming album, Our Story. With energetic vocals and poignant reminders of what God can do, Three Bridges brings the power of faith, mercy and grace to the forefront of their music.

Listen to Our StoryHERE.

New albums from Crossroads: Three Bridges, Steve Ladd, Wisecarvers

Gospel singer Steve Ladd is continuing to spread the word of Christ by crafting music for all tastes with his newest project, Come Up Clean on Sonlite Records. With powerhouse vocals and music that brings in elements of other genres, Ladd creates an upbeat and soulful EP that carries a traditional message in a modern way.

Listen to Come Up Clean HERE.

New albums from Crossroads: Three Bridges, Steve Ladd, Wisecarvers

With their upcoming release, Silhouette, The Wisecarvers are stating who they are and how they want to be seen — as the likeness of Jesus. When someone sees silhouettes, they can see there’s a person, but not who it is. This talented family wants you to shift your focus from them to see Jesus through their ministry.

Listen to SilhouetteHERE.

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.

Three Bridges, The Wisecarvers and Steve Ladd release new singles

Three Bridges Arden, NC. (August 3, 2018) – Three Bridges, The Wisecarvers and Steve Ladd have all released singles from their upcoming albums due out in the fall.

The Wisecarvers “Silhouette,” the title track from The Wisecarvers’ upcoming album, is an upbeat tune written by Kaila Wisecarver and features Chase Wisecarver with a strong lyric. It reminds us that each day we have the opportunity to be the light in a dark world. Listen to “Silhouette” HERE.

Steve Ladd “The Thing About A Valley,” the first single from Steve Ladd’s Come Up Clean, sets the tone for the project with its contemporary, upbeat music and message that “the thing about a valley” is that it reminds you to look up to God in times of darkness. Listen to “The Thing About A Valley” HERE.

Zach Williams: Singer, Songwriter, Grammy winner

Zach Williams: Singer, Songwriter, Grammy winner

When Zach Williams’ hit “Chain Breaker” was announced as the winner of the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at this year’s Grammy Awards, it was the latest and greatest honor in Williams’ meteoric rise to the top of the Christian

music genre.

A native of Jonesboro, Ark., Williams was not even signed to a record label when he co-wrote “Chain Breaker,” the international hit that held the No. 1 position on charts for 15 consecutive weeks and achieved official Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) gold certification.

“I had been in Nashville for a week, writing,” Williams said. “I wasn’t signed to a label. I was just coming over as a guest to write songs. It was at the end of a week. I was ready to go home. I was ready to see my family. I was tired. I had nothing that I honestly was bringing in at that point.

March 2018 SGNScoops Magazine

“Then, I met Mia (Fieldes, co-writer of “Chain Breaker”) for the first time. She had this super strong personality. She was just on fire when she came in, and we got to talking. I was sharing my story and my testimony with her. My wife and I were involved in a prison ministry at that time, so we were really excited about where we were then. Jonathan Smith, (“Chain Breaker” co-writer) turned around to the piano and just played a little something, and I went ‘play that again.’

And when he did, the words to ‘Chain Breaker’ just started coming. ‘If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles. If you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies.’ That was one of those songs that was literally almost written in 15 minutes.

It was on Williams’ mind after the writing session.

“All the way home to Arkansas, I was just praying that God would just use that song and that people all over the world would be able to hear it,” Williams shared. “And a few months later, the label heard that song and offered me a record deal.”

After the song was written, Williams said that he wasn’t sure how it would be received by Christian audiences.

“I thought maybe it was too rock or too country to resonate with Christian music audiences,” he said. “I didn’t think it would get played on Christian radio. Nobody knew who I was. I didn’t know how people were going to react to it.”

After the song’s mega success on the contemporary Christian charts, the song was later covered by several Southern gospel artists, including Triumphant, the Gaither Vocal Band and soloist Steve Ladd.

The song also speaks to Williams’ own story of redemption. After using drugs and alcohol for years, he was known as a partier. In 2012, God intervened, and he quit the rock band that he was a part of it, instead electing to begin a new Christ-centered life off the road. But the way that Christian songs had helped him in his journey continued to stoke the desire to sing.

In the release of “Chain Breaker,” Williams said that one of his chief hopes is that the song ministers to non-believers, as well are those who are already saved.

“Obviously, I hope it can inspire people who are already believers,” he said. “But for anyone who isn’t saved, they need to know that there is someone out there who can break their chains and help them with these problems that they have in their life and completely make them brand new.

“For Christians, for believers, I think we get in our day-to-day routine where we’re just checking it (items) off our list. We’re going to church on Sunday, because it is good for our business … it’s good for the other people around to see. It becomes just like doing the laundry. Going to church, leaving, going home … and completely not having a relationship with the Lord. You’re coming out of church with the same mess that you went in with. So, I think a lot of believers have just forgotten what it was like the day they got their chains broken.”

Though Williams says he can’t define his music under just one genre – “maybe some Southern roots gospel,” he says – he hopes that his music appeals to listeners of Southern gospel, contemporary Christian, and other genres equally.

“I want these songs to have the opportunity to minister to everyone,” he said.

Although “Chain Breaker” was a hard act to follow, Williams’ second single off of his debut album, “Old Church Choir,” also ascended to No. 1 on the charts, where it stayed for 20 weeks. With his recent successes, Williams became the first debut artist to have back-to-back singles reach No. 1.

“All glory to God,” he said. “It’s just incredible.”

By Justin McLeod

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in March 2018.

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Steve Ladd To Appear On In Touch Ministries

Steve Ladd To Appear On In Touch Ministries

Arden, NC – (February 9, 2018) – Sonlight Records recording artist and 2018 AGM Award nominee Steve Ladd will be featured on In Touch Ministries with Charles Stanley for a week starting on February 9th! “Jesus Saves” will be heard all around the world. Be sure and watch.

To purchase Steve Ladd’s  music go to : http://steveladdmusic.com/store/

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Steve Ladd’s EP On Sonlite Records Label

Steve Ladd’s EP On Sonlite Records Label

ARDEN, NC  – Crossroads Label Group and Award-winning soloist Steve Ladd are excited to announce the release of his Sonlite Records debut EP No Excuses, No Regrets.

No Excuses, No Regrets was produced by reigning AGM Award Producer of the Year, Cody McVey and features six unforgettable songs from the celebrated vocalist. The new EP features masterfully crafted songs from the pen of Kenna West, Sue C. Smith, Lee Black, Cliff Duren, Jeff Bumgardner, Zach Williams, Mia Fieldes, and more. The background vocals were provided by Gaither Vocal Band member Reggie Smith, Ladye Love Smith, and Gaither Homecoming artist Angela Primm.

Steve said, “I’ve been on a personal, spiritual journey the past couple of years. I’ve had ups and downs privately. Recently, I’ve been able to have closure on some things that have had me bound my whole life. Thank you Father for freedom. These songs say exactly what my heart says. And I have no REGRETS!”

No Excuses, No Regrets releases to all musical outlets on June 9, 2017 but is already receiving rave reviews and the debut single, “All Things Are Possible God” is impacting radio now.

You can purchase your copy at these online outlets:

iTunes: https://clg.lnk.to/LlyY1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=popular&field-keywords=Steve+Ladd+No+Excuses,+No+Regrets

Steve’s Website: http://steveladdmusic.com/store/

Springside: http://www.springside.com

The complete song listing:

All Things Are Possible God

Chain Breaker

What You’ve Already Done

No Excuses, No Regrets

Since I Laid My Burden Down

Living Water

To learn more about Steve Ladd go to http://steveladdmusic.com.

Follow Steve on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/SteveLaddMusic and Twitter at https://twitter.com/SteveLaddMusic.

For booking Steve contact 256-266-1149.

Multi-Award Winning Vocalist Steve Ladd Co-Promotes Joy Retreats

Multi-Award Winning Vocalist Steve Ladd Co-Promotes Joy Retreats

Centre, Alabama – Multi-Award winning Christian music vocalist Steve Ladd is excited to announce his participation in the upcoming Myrtle Beach Joy Retreat.

Joy Retreats are two day Southern Gospel music and ministry events designed to encourage and edify the body of Christ. The concerts will feature great Gospel music with the artist’s greatest hits, impromptu quartet presentations of some of your Gospel favorites, renowned anthems backed by a combined community mass choir, side splitting comedy, live music, and inspired messages from evangelist and author David Ring.

This year’s Myrtle Beach Joy Retreat is scheduled for February 3-4, 2017 at Grand Strand Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition to Steve Ladd and David Ring, the retreat will feature such beloved artists and comedians as Mark Bishop, Tim Lovelace, Keith Plott, and Mark Lanier.

Steve Ladd commented, “I think this is the first time that all these soloists are together for one event. On top of the great singing, David Ring will bring a great word on both days. We want these two days to be a time of refreshing for the people during this new year. This will be the first of many, at different locations, for the Joy Retreat brand!”

To learn more about Steve Ladd go to http://steveladdmusic.com.

Follow Steve on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/SteveLaddMusic and Twitter at https://twitter.com/SteveLaddMusic.

For booking Steve contact 256-266-1149.

Steve Ladd On Gospel Music Today

Steve Ladd On Gospel Music Today

Steve Ladd is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of October 16. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. The Feature Group is The Phillips Family, and Jean reviews new recordings by The Branscombs and Roberta Blevins.  An article from SGN Scoops digital magazine is the subject of this week’s News Notes. The show features  exclusive concert video of The Calvarymen Quartet, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Broken Arrow, OK, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive video of Clearvision Quartet, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Pigeon Forge, TN.

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Welcome new television viewers in Phenix City, AL, Pontotoc, MS, Beaumont, TX,  Morrilton, AR, Tyler, TX, Atlanta, TX, and West Plains, MO. Check local listings for day and time.

Every Sunday at 4:30 PM on KWHB TV47 in Tulsa, OK. That’s Cox channel 9, HD 1009, Dish Network channel 47.