A message from T. Graham Brown

From T (Facebook)

Hey folks!
Sheila and I so appreciate the kind comments. She has loved me through the dark times when I was not the man that I should have been. She goes everywhere with me and that helps me stay on the right track. It is really something to see what God has done for us. I’m certain that there are those who find all of this very corny, but I’m here to tell you that it is as real as it could possibly be. I was one of those people that rolled my eyes and think “Give me a break!” when I would hear or read someone speak about these things. I was, I thought, much too cool to believe such nonsense. I felt that those kind of people were just attention seekers using religion to further whatever cause they were trying to promote, and, no doubt, there are plenty of people out there who are doing exactly that. They are the ones that non-believers hold up as examples of just the reason to scoff at the rest of us. Please know that Sheila and I are sincere and would never beat somebody over the head it. I’m just a guy who has been blessed with a little talent that allows me to get up in front of a crowd and do my best to make folks feel better and walk out, hopefully, a bit happier. If that helps someone, then it is worth it. Every day, for instance, I hear from somebody, that “Wine Into Water” has really helped them or someone close to them get sober. I had a bad drinking problem for years, so I know, firsthand, what damage it can do to people and families. Sheila and I are collecting stories from those who have an example of that and are willing to share. We would never use anyone’s real name in doing this. If you or a friend or family member have a story like this, please put it in your own words and send it to “showtgbiz@gmail.com”. Don’t worry about proper grammar or spelling, because we can edit any mistakes. We want real stories from real people. The book is not being put together to make money. It is being done to help those folks in a bad situation and are looking for a way out. These kind of stories help those in trouble see a way out. God takes care of the healing. Broken hearts, souls, and families are being made whole again, and that is a beautiful thing. There is no reason to continue to stumble around in the dark when there is a way out. If you feel like sharing this message with others, please do it. Forgive me if I am clumsy or sound preachy in sharing my feelings. I only think that it is part of my job, perhaps the most important part. I love people and I know in my heart of hearts that God loves us, every one. My God can see a black ant on a black rock on a black night.
Keep a good thought,
T.G.B.

T. Graham Brown Returns To Billboard’s Top Christian Album Sales Chart

T. Graham Brown Returns To Billboard’s Top Christian Album Sales Chart

Franklin, TN – The ‘Forever Changed’ album by T. Graham Brown has made a return to Billboard’s Top Christian Album Sales Charts at #21 for the week of Feb 6, 2016 after being released into the market one year ago. Since the initial release of the ‘Forever Changed’ album by T. Graham Brown, the album has received a GRAMMY Nomination and been a constant seller in Cracker Barrel stores nationwide. The album made an initial appearance on the Billboard Top Christian Album Sales Charts when it was released and its return a year later shows continued organic support from traditional music fan base as it appears on the charts along with albums by LeCrae, Chris Tomlin and music from the original motion picture, War Room. 

The ‘Forever Changed’ album is comprised of thirteen tracks that features guest vocal appearances by popular, award-winning artists Vince Gill, Jason Crabb, Leon Russell, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Oak Ridge Boys, Steve Cropper, The Booth Brothers, Three Bridges, Sony Isaacs and Jimmy Fortune and was produced by Mark Carman and T. Graham Brown. The latest single from the album, “How Do You Know”, featuring the Oak Ridge Boys, is set to release to Southern Gospel Radio in February 2016.

The album is currently available in Cracker Barrel and all online digital outlets.

2015 ICM Awards Show To Air (Dec 13th, Dec 20th & Dec 27th)

ICM

(NASHVILLE, TENN – Dec 11, 2015) The 2015 ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards will air on The Worship Network Sunday, December 13th, Sunday, December 20th and Sunday, December 27th at 8 PM EST.

Melanie Walker

Hosted by Gospel artist Melanie Walker, tune it to see legendary Country acts John Anderson perform his new single “Don’t Forget To Thank The Lord”, T. Graham Brown sing his iconic tune, “Wine Into Water” and John Berry’s performance of, “Straight Down Rain.”

You also don’t want to miss Inspirational Country acts like Mary James, Tommy Brandt, Wade Hammond, Mike Rimmey among others.

T Graham Brown at CCX 2015

For more information and a complete list of the 2015 ICM Award show winners, visit: faithfamilycountry.com.

For more news visit here.

Christian Country Expo welcomes T Graham Brown

T Graham Brown at the Christian Country Expo 2015

Pigeon Forge, TN (August 27, 2015) – The Christian Country Expo (CCX) being held at Pigeon Forge welcomed Mr. T Graham Brown, acclaimed Christian Country artist, to its stage on

T Graham Brown at CCX 2015

Wednesday night. T Graham Brown was warmly greeted and proceeded to entertain, engage and minister to the audience.

Other artists performing on Wednesday night included Chris Golden, Tommy Brandt, Tommy Brandt II and Kevin Rowe who have become the CCX favorites, as well as Ava Kasich, Jim Sheldon, Lindsey Huggins and more.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Christian Country Living Legend Diamond Award to Chuck Day. For more information, see the feature elsewhere on this page. 

Michelle Drummond was on hand to photograph the evening and presents these pictures of the event.

Christian Country Expo is thrilled to welcome Chuck Day to the line-up again tonight for its final evening. Other artists appearing include favourites Chris Golden, Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II, Kevin Rowe, and many more. There is a special emphasis on Salute to Our Heroes, recognizing

Chuck Day presented with Living Legend Award CCX2015

the First Responders and the hard work they do on an everyday basis.

Vote today for your favorite Christian Country, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel artists, in the 2015 Diamond

Chuck Day

Awards.

Make your plans to attend the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention and Diamond Awards, November 2 – 7, 2015.

Don’t miss the August 2015 SGN Scoops digital magazine with cover artists Canton Junction. 

For more pictures and information on the Christian Country Expo, visit the Facebook site.

For news on Christian Country artists and more, be sure to visit SGN Scoops Facebook page.

Firehouse Subs truck

Marty Raybon goes from darkness to Light

We hope you enjoy this feature on Marty written by Dan Duncan.

Marty Raybon

Marty Raybon is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and musician who is best known as the the distinctive lead voice on a long string of hit songs by the Country music super-group, Shenandoah. His career, which has spanned almost three decades, has found his songs topping the charts in Country, Bluegrass, and Country Gospel music.
Born and raised in Sanford, Florida, Raybon moved to Nashville in 1984 to pursue his dream of a career as a recording artist. There he joined a band and worked to develop his songwriting skills. He sang demos in the recording studios of Nashville to earn additional income.

Marty Raybon

Raybon accepted a job in Muscle Shoals Alabama with a group of buddies who would eventually become the band Shenandoah. Robert Byrnes and Tommy Brassfield had been commissioned by a major record company to do a nationwide talent search for artists who had potential to be developed into a major act. After searching across the nation, they “discovered” Marty and his group within two miles of Fame Recording Studio, in Muscle Shoals. Their recording of spec-records in Fame Studio produced such hits as “Two Dozen Roses”, “Mama Knows”, “The Church on Cumberland Road”, “Next to You, Next to Me,” and so many more.
The rewards of success are many, but they are certainly not without pitfalls. As in so many cases, the lifestyle of stardom led Marty to addiction to alcohol and drugs. Things moved from bad to worse when the group began to face lawsuits for infringement for the use of the name Shenandoah. At least five other groups could produce evidence that they had the legal right to use the name. Neither the record company, the recording studio, or the production company had done a trademark search for the right to use that name. Lawsuits came fast and furious, which eventually resulted in the group filing a Chapter 7. They literally paid out millions of dollars to satisfy the claims filed against them.

Marty Raybon and Full Circle

The group received no help from their recording studio, record company, or management company. In fact, all of those organizations also filed lawsuits against Shenandoah. It was very humbling and humiliating. The group continued working hard to meet all their financial obligations, until eventually everything was paid.
Substance abuse continued to worsen for Raybon. One evening after coming in off the road, Marty accepted another party invitation. They hit a nightclub where the drinking was more than excessive. Raybon related that he woke up on a couch to discover he had been gone for four days. Returning home, he retreated to his basement where he had stashed additional alcoholic beverages.
God had a plan for Marty Raybon’s life that day. Raybon had been raised right, but he had not been doing right. God began tugging on his heart. Sick of his lifestyle and sick of his problems, Raybon got serious with himself and serious with God. In his drunkenness and confusion, Raybon asked himself: “If I died, would I go to Heaven?” Ashamed of himself and ashamed of what he had become, he cried out to God: “I’m out of control! Help me”!
That day, the basement of his home became “Holy Ground” for Marty Raybon. He audibly talked face to face with God, and made everything right! Right then and there, he gave his heart and life to God.
“I stayed in the basement all day,” says Raybon. “I poured out the liquor. I hunted it out from everywhere I had hidden it, and poured it out. I promised God: ‘If you’ll fix me, I’ll serve you.’ I didn’t hear any bells and whistles, but I was changed that day! I felt like I wasn’t dirty anymore”.
Raybon’s wife Melanie was a believer who was living with a pagan husband. At the end of the day, Marty joined her upstairs and asked her this question: “Do you have an Easter dress? I gave my heart to the Lord today. I’m saved! It’s different. I’ll be home from my next tour by Easter Sunday. We’re going to church.”
He began introducing others to Jesus. He introduced other band members and their families to the Lord. Raybon figured if God could fix him, He could do it for anybody! The heartbeat of His message is, “No matter how far down you’ve gone, God can reach you.”
Raybon left Shenandoah in 1997 to fulfill God’s call to spread the Gospel through his music. To date, he has recorded five country gospel albums, which have resulted in a lot of number one songs and a long list of awards. As of this writing, Raybon’s recording of “Beulah Land” is currently number one in the country gospel chart. He has been nominated for awards in four categories by the International Country Gospel Music Association (I.C.G.M.A.) in their August Award show. His next bluegrass album will be Gospel Bluegrass.
While Marty Raybon has enjoyed great success in the music field, his priorities remain solidly anchored in his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A person cannot be around Raybon very long before you discover that he loves to share Jesus with those with whom he comes into contact.
No matter where you meet Marty Raybon, he is first and foremost, a Christian. He is very sincere, and always sensitive to the spiritual needs of those he meets. Marty Raybon is the Real Deal!
For more information on Marty Raybon visit http://martyraybon.com/online/

By Dan Duncan

First published by SGN Scoops magazine in August 2014.

For the latest edition of SGN Scoops magazine and more news in Gospel music, visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.
Along with Mary Raybon, the CCE is happy to present Chuck Day, T Graham Brown, Chris Golden, Jim Sheldon, Tommy Brandt, Jan Harbuck, Ava Kasich, Tina Wakefield, Jerry Branscom, Sharron Kay King, and many more.

The Christian Country Expo will open at the Smoky Mountain Resorts on Monday, August 24. Doors open at the Center at 5:00 pm on Monday night and again on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am for music showcases. The main theme of the event is: “Salute To Our Heroes,” and CCE invites all servicemen and first responders to come out and be recognized.

For more information on lodging or tickets, please email Rob Patz of Coastal Media at rob@sgnscoops.com or call 360 933 0741.
Visit the Christian Country Expo on Facebook or online at http://www.ChristiancountryExpo. com

Christian Country Expo welcomes artist Chuck Day

Chuck Day

Pigeon Forge, TN (August 21, 2015) – Christian Country Expo – Salute To Our Heroes, is pleased to announce that Christian Country artist, Chuck Day, will be appearing at the Expo next week. SGN Scoops is one of the sponsors bringing the four-day music festival to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center from August 24 through the 27th, with Country stars Marty Raybon headlining on Monday night, and T Graham Brown appearing on Wednesday night. Other events include an evening at the Dixie Stampede, daily music showcases and a special exciting announcement during the Expo.

Chuck Day

“I am thrilled to welcome Chuck Day to the Christian Country Expo stage,” says Rob Patz of SGN Scoops. “Chuck is well known in the Country Gospel and Christian Country circuit, and we are pleased that he has been able to add CCE to his schedule. He is one of the pioneers of the Christian Country genre and just a great guy. I am also happy that he is going to be at the Expo during a special segment where we will be making a surprise announcement.” Patz adds, “I hope everyone within driving distance who can join us at Pigeon Forge will make the trip. It will certainly be worth it!”

Chris Golden. Picture by Don Breland

Chuck is one of today’s top singer/songwriters and is a pioneer in the Christian Country and Country Gospel industries. He has written and co-written more than 16 number-one songs in the Christian and Country genres. Chuck has had songs recorded by such names as: Gold City, Clay Cross, Michael English, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Hoppers, Rebecca St. James, Barry Wayne, Bob Carlisle, and more. He and his brother Greg Day co-wrote the beloved anthem, “Midnight Cry,” made popular by Ivan Parker and Gold City, among others.

Marty Raybon

This award-winning musician and vocalist has traveled extensively with his family in his early years, as a soloist and also with Country music artists including Freddy Fender, Marty Haggard and others. Chuck now tours throughout the United States and the world, singing Christian Country. He holds both a Doctorate of Theology degree and a Doctorate of Divinity while also practicing as an ordained minister.

Along with Chuck Day, the CCE is happy to present Marty Raybon, T Graham Brown, Chris Golden, Jim Sheldon, Tommy Brandt, Jan Harbuck, Ava Kasich, Tina Wakefield, Jerry Branscom, Sharron Kay King, and many more.

T. Graham Brown

The Christian Country Expo will open at the Smoky Mountain Resorts on Monday, August 24. Doors open at the Center at 5:00 pm on Monday night and again on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am for music showcases. The main theme of the event is: “Salute To Our Heroes,” and CCE invites all servicemen and first responders to come out and be recognized.

For more information on lodging or tickets, please email Rob Patz of Coastal Media at rob@sgnscoops.com or call 360 933 0741.

Visit the Christian Country Expo on Facebook or online. 

T. Graham Brown To Release A New Christmas Album

Pictured standing L to R: Jonathan Brown, Bryan Carter, Daniel Addison, Tony Griffith and John Mathis of Mansion Entertain. Seated: T. Graham Brown.

Franklin, TN / 6-4-2015 – GRAMMY Nominated artist, T. Graham Brown, was recently in Mansion Entertainment’s recording studio working on tracks for a new Christmas album. Tony Griffith of The Griffith Family is co-producing the new project with Brown and the project will contain many favorites that fans have been requesting such as, “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”, “Away In A Manger”, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and others. The new project will also contain a few original Christmas songs.

T. Graham Brown

T. Graham Brown is known for his many accolades and hit songs in Country Music, appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, Larry’s Country Diner and the Country’s Family Reunion series and recently received a 2015 GRAMMY Nomination for his ‘Forever Changed’ album, co-produced with Mark Carman. The new Christmas album be released later this year by Mansion Entertainment in time for the 2015 Christmas season.

Christian Country Expo

T. Graham Brown will also be appearing at the Christian Country Expo, August 24-17 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, TN. For more information check the Christian Country Expo Facebook page. 

T. Graham Brown’s ‘Forever Changed’ Now Available in Cracker Barrel Stores

Franklin, TN (Mansion Entertainment) March 5th,  2015 –  T. Graham Brown’s latest Grammy-nominated album Forever Changed has hit Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations. The critically acclaimed album features collaborations with some of the top Country artists in the music business including Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Jimmy Fortune. Brown also channels his Gospel side with collaborations with Christian singers Jason Crabb, Sonya Issacs, Three Bridges, among others.”I’m so excited that ‘Forever Changed’ is in the CrackerBarrel restaurant and stores! It’s our favorite place to stop when we’re out on the road” said an excited T. Graham Brown. “We love the food and it’s so much fun to shop and look at all the “cool stuff” in the store. I always check out the CD rack, and to have my album there is a dream come true.”

In an industry where you have stories each and every day concerning declining sales, the music program atCracker Barrel Old Country Stores continues to thrive, as it begins its’ second decade. The company is responsible for top ten albums by such Country Music Hall of Fame members as Alabama and Kenny Rogers, and also partnered up with the iconic Dolly Parton for her 2012 An Evening With Dolly CD / DVD package, which is the program’s only RIAA Gold selling project. In 2015, the 600-plus location restaurant chain resumed its’ success story by teaming up with Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley for his Man Of Constant Sorrow disc, which featured collaborations from a wide variety of artists, such as Lee Ann Womack and Elvis Costello. The set debuted on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart at #2, and also gave Stanley his highest ranking ever on the magazine’s Country Album chart, entering the list at No. 14.

In addition to a Grammy nomination in 2015 for “Best Gospel Roots Album,” Brown has also garnered some of the strongest ink of his career. He is set to appear in Country Weekly, in an issue that will hit newsstands later this month. Other features include Billboard, CMT, The Examiner, Power Source (which Brown graces the cover for February), and many more.

Track Listing:
1. He’ll Take Care Of You (with Vince Gill)
2. From A Stronger Place
3. Soul Talk (with Jason Crabb)
4. Forever Changed
5. Shadow Of Doubt (with Leon Russell)
6. The Power Of Love (with Jeff & Sheri Easter)
7. Out Of The Rain
8. People Get Ready (with Jason Crabb, Leon Russell, Steve Cropper, The Oak Ridge Boys)
9. Pillow Of Mercy (with The Booth Brothers)
10. Midnight Rainbow (with Three Bridges)
11. Which Way To Pray (with Sonya Isaacs)
12. How Do You Know (with The Oak Ridge Boys)
13. Wine Into Water (with Jimmy Fortune)

About Forever Changed:
Co-produced by Mark L. Carman and T. Graham Brown, recorded and mixed by Joe Carrell, Forever Changed is comprised of thirteen tracks featuring guest vocal appearances by popular, award-winning artists Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, Leon Russell, Jason Crabb Jeff & Sheri Easter, Steve Cropper, The Booth Brothers, Three Bridges and Jimmy Fortune. The lineup of talent collectively boasts 26 Grammys and 37 Dove Awards. Forever Changed was nominated for “Best Roots Gospel Album” and was released by Mansion Entertainment with distribution through Sony/RED on January 27th, 2015.

About T. Graham Brown:
T. Graham Brown has recorded over thirteen studio albums and charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard charts. Three of these singles reached number one and eight more reached the top ten. Brown’s voice is also recognized from his singing in advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, Disneyland, Almond Joy, Coca Cola, Dodge Truck, Ford, Hardee’s and many others including the Taco Bell “Run For The Border” television spots. This past year his appearance in the concept video for “Working on A Building” with Marty Raybon,Jimmy Fortune and Trace Adkins was aired across multiple national television networks. T. Graham Brown still actively tours throughout the year including multiple appearances on the legendary Grand Ole Opry and television appearances such as Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion. Brown’s uniqueness has made him one of the most beloved and iconic performers of the day.

Salute Our Heroes A New Christian Country Event

Salute Our Heroes!

Marty Raybon of Shennandoah and 2014 Grammy nominee, T. Graham Brown

Artists: please reserve your booth today by contacting Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com.

Marty Raybon on Tonight’s Praise The Lord Show (TBN)

Nashville, TN (April 30, 2012) —   Marty Raybon will appear on tonight’s PRAISE THE LORD  TV show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) hosted by Jason Crabb.  The show debuts Monday, April 30 at 9:00 pm Central / 10:00 pm Eastern and re-airs tomorrow, May 1 at 4:00 pm Central / 5:00 pm Eastern (check your local listings).

“It was a night of spirit filled fun. The music was great, but the fellowship was wonderful. I had the pleasure of singing ‘I’ve Seen What He Can Do’ and “You’ve Got To Move” along with ‘Working on a Building’ with Jason Crabb, Jimmy Fortune, T. Graham Brown, and Buddy Jewell. It was a highlight I will never forget,” said Marty. All three songs appear on Marty’s HAND TO THE PLOW album recently released on Rural Rhythm Christian.

This past weekend, Marty won two Country Gospel Music Fan Awards including FAVORITE SOLOIST along with the award for FAVORITE SONG, “I’m Working On A Building.”  The awards ceremony took place April 28th during the 2012 Country Gospel Music (CGM) Awards Program presented by Christian Voice Magazine held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.  CGM Fan Award recipients were decided upon solely by Country Gospel Music fans who voted in a two-phase voting process held at ChristianVoiceMagazine.com.

Marty is receiving critical acclaim for HAND TO THE PLOW, that not only includes “Working On A Building”, but also the incredible new chart single, “I’ve Seen What He Can Do” which has also been released as a music video.  Marty’s popularity is soaring as a crossover artist as he is also celebrating success for another Rural Rhythm Records album, SOUTHERN ROOTS & BRANCHES (Yesterday and Today) released earlier this month.  Marty produced the album that contains classics from his previous solo albums, new original songs like his new bluegrass chart single, “Dirt Road Heartache,” a wonderful acoustic version of Shenandoah’s big hit, “I Want To Be Loved Like That,” and many more fan favorites.

For more information on Marty Raybon including upcoming tour dates, music and news, please MartyRaybon.com