Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

THE DIXIE MELODY BOYS REACH SCHEDULING AGREEMENT WITH DAVIS ARTIST AGENCY

THE DIXIE MELODY BOYS REACH SCHEDULING AGREEMENT WITH DAVIS ARTIST AGENCY

Kinston, NC – Popular Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame member, Ed O’Neal, manager of The Dixie Melody Boys , has announced that a scheduling agreement has been reached with Michael and Christian Davis and the Davis Artist Agency. The Davis Artist Agency will immediately begin scheduling The Dixie Melody Boys for events throughout the remainder of 2015, as well as 2016.

THE DMB BAND RETURNS TO RADIO WITH NEW SINGLE RELEASE

Nashville, TN – It’s been nearly 30 years in the making, and now music from The DMB Band is returning to radio this month, with the release of Tell Me The Story. The brand new single from the talented musical group will be available to radio this month via the latest compilation from Rhonda Thompson Promotions.

In the mid 1980s, The DMB Band was on the cutting edge of Christian County music. One might say the group was “country before country was cool.” “We were certainly pioneering the ground,” laughs DMB Band member Kent Humphrey. “It is kinda neat to see how the music we were doing back 25 years ago that was so progressive at the time, is now acceptable and embraced so well.”

The DMB Band was birth by long-time Gospel Music veteran Ed O’Neal, who took his Dixie Melody Boys Quartet into a genre that really didn’t exist at the time. “We were simply ahead of our time,” states O’Neal’s son, Allen, who was a member of the group during the 1970s and 80s and has been instrumental in the revival of The DMB Band.

The rebirth of The DMB Band is the result of a reunion that took place in honor of  The Dixie Melody Boys’ 50th Anniversary. “Many of the former members of the Quartet got together for a Reunion concert, and it allowed us to renew some great friendships,” O’Neal conveys. “We had lost contact with each other and when we got back together, the friendships just picked right back up where we had left off 25 years ago,” Humphrey shares. “It was very special. We had so much fun being together again that we decided to get together again the next year.”

O’Neal and Humphrey teamed together with former DMB Band members Frank Sutton, Craig Ham, Jerry Kelso, Olan Witt and Ron Wells to revive a sound that is classic DMB Band. The Band hit the studio and recorded The DMB Band Reunion Greatest Hits. The recording features songs like You’re The Light, Reflection, Run Little Brother, Love Them Home and He’s Gonna Make A Comeback. “It includes some of our favorites that were on the Good Ole Boys and the Too Much Thunder albums from the mid 80s. We had a lot of fun back in the studio so we decided to do a few concerts, and things just clicked,” O’Neal explains.

Things “clicked” so well in fact that in 2014, the Band reunited again for several concert dates and to record and release the Still Believing CD. Still Believing contains songs the Band recorded 30 years ago, as well as five new songs, several of which were written by Humphrey, including the radio release Tell Me The Story. “This song shares the straight-forward message of the Gospel. It’s a lot of fun to sing. Kent is a great songwriter and he did a very good job on this song. We hope listeners will enjoy it and we hope it will be embraced by radio,” O’Neal says.

“At this stage in our lives, we are just having fun,” Humphrey relates. “We are very blessed to walk into this 25 years later and pick up where we left off. We’re having a blast, singing, playing, just hanging out and telling people about Jesus. We’ve all grown individually so much. We really don’t have a desire to be on the road 200 days a year, but we are open to whatever God has in store.”

Radio stations interested in obtaining the Band’s latest single may contact Rhonda Thompson Promotions at www.rhondathompsonpromotions.com. DMB Band fans interested in order the new CD or promoters interested in scheduling the Band may visit www.thedmbband.com.

Tribute To Ed O’Neal Hosted By Lou Hildreth And Larry Ford

Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN (October 28, 2013) – Monday, October 28 is the date to honor the legacy of Ed O’Neal at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN. Hosts Lou Wills Hildreth and Larry Ford will present an evening of memories, music and merriment as they lead the audience through the life and career of this Gospel music great.

Ed O’Neal will be joined by current and past members of the Dixie Melody Boys, the group he has led for several decades.

SGN Scoops is very excited that Three Bridges will also be making a guest appearance Monday night for the tribute to Ed O’Neal at the Smoky Moutain Convention Center.

“I was a young Gospel singer in the early 70’s when I first met Ed O’Neal and one thing that sticks out in my mind is that he has never changed,” says Elliott McCoy of Three Bridges. “He was a true gentleman then and he is still a true gentleman today.”

The tribute will begin at 7:00pm and will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Centre, 4010 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The admission is free so if you can, please come and join us and a host of Gospel music groups for a great evening of Gospel music.

For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ The Convention which is being held from October 28 through 30, encompasses three nights and two days of music, showcases and devotionals by Dr. Jeff Steele.

Tuesday afternoon is the Patterson Promotions showcase and the 2013 Diamond Awards. Wednesday brings the Old Time Gospel Sing and another evening of great gospel music.

Tickets are free for the entire event but must be reserved. For more information click on to: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ or email Rhonda Frye rhonda@sgnscoops.com or Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com

Dixie Melody Boys Announce New Lead Singer

With the departure of Mike Rogers, the Dixie Melody Boys have been searching for the last few weeks for a new lead singer. Over 300 men applied, applications coming in from all parts of America as well as 3 countries including London, England. “We listened to each demo and prayed that God would send us the right fit for where the group is headed. There were so many great singers, many already established names in Gospel music so it was hard to narrow them down.” Said Matt Felts. After sorting through the overwhelming response, the group auditioned ten men. “Each one brought something completely different and special to the table. We took a different approach than usual and had the men spend the day with us and all go to lunch together. It was a great way to get to know them more.” Added Ed O’Neal. “I met a young man at NQC last year and he stuck in my mind. We invited him in last week to audition. His voice was powerful and anointed but his personality instantly fit right in. After the last man left, we talked and decided to offer him the job. We are excited to announce Austin Foster as the new lead singer for the Dixie Melody Boys” said Matt Felts.
Austin Foster is 18 years old and from Birmingham, Alabama. Austin is the son of well-known promoter and radio host Ron Foster. Austin has been singing for years and has appeared with Michael English and many others on stage. “We are excited to have Austin with us. I know the fans will love him. He is true Southern Gospel and a great young man. His ability to sing the great songs of the past as well as the newer songs we do makes him a unique talent.” Said Ed O’Neal. Austin had this to say regarding joining the legendary group, “I am super excited to sing with the Dixie Melody Boys. I have been listening to these guys all my life. It is an honor to share the stage with them. “
The Dixie Melody Boys have been known for breaking new talent into the industry. Unlike any other, Ed O’Neal has had an eye for talent and has introduced McCray Dove, Rodney Griffin, Devin McGlamery, Harold Reed, Ernie Haase and so many others to Gospel music. “His ability to maintain one of the top groups year after year while launching so many young men’s career is amazing. While others look for singers in other groups, Ed gives new faces a chance and cultivates Gospel music for years to come. That is an incredible legacy to leave behind. Austin is sure to add to that rich tapestry. “ Said David Staton, Executive V.P. of Song Garden Music Group.
The Dixie Melody Boys will back in the studio in June to finish their new album which will feature new members Aaron Dishman and Austin Foster. For more information, go to www.dixiemelodyboys.com. The Dixie Melody Boys would like to thank Josh Garner from Freedom for filling in while they searched for a new lead singer.

Dixie Melody Boys Claim Numerous Top Honors At SGM Fan Awards

SongGardn Music artists, The Dixie Melody Boys solidified their rise back to the top of Southern Gospel at last nights Southern Gospel Fan Awards held in Pigeon Forge, TN. The SGM Fan Awards are presented by the Christian Voice Magazine and honor the best in Southern Gospel music as chosen by the fans. The night was filled with great performances by the Dixie Melody Boys, Palmetto State Quartet, the Hemphills, Phil Cross, the Diplomats and many more.
The Dixie Melody Boys received the most Top 5 Nominations of any group with eleven nominations including Favorite Album, Song and Video. Hall of fame member Ed O’Neal took home the Favorite Bass Singer award for the second year in a row. Steven Cooper won the Favorite Baritone award. “We are so happy for Steven. As many know, he will be stepping down soon so to have the fans honor him and his five years with us this way is wonderful.” said Ed O’Neal. Mike Rogers, who has been with the group just under a year was also honored by being nominated in the Top 5 for Favorite Lead Singer and Young Excelling Artist. Matt Felts won the Favorite Tenor Award having made the Top 5 two years in a row. “Just to be on the list with men like Michael Booth, David Phelps, Brian Free and Jeff Hawes is a huge honor. These men are my heroes. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to sing for him.” said Matt Felts. Ending the night on a high note, the Dixie Melody Boys won Favorite Male Quartet for the second year in a row.
The last two years have shown the Dixie Melody Boys are riding high again with no signs of slowing down. To learn more check them out at http://www.dixiemelodyboys.com/

Gospel Music Today Special Addition – Southern Gospel Worship Gathering

The guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today are Peter Enns and Ted Robertson. On the first Saturday of every month, 1400 southern gospel fans attend the Southern Gospel Worship Gathering at The Assembly, in Broken Arrow, OK.  Peter and Ted are the men behind this concert series. The show includes singing from the concerts with The Blackwood Brothers, The Dixie Melody Boys, and more.

The show is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com

The Dixie Melody Boys Announce New Lead Singer

The Dixie Melody Boys announced a few weeks ago that they would be accepting demo’s for the lead singer position. They also stated that the new member of this legendary group would be introduced on the main stage at this year’s convention. Over the course of three weeks the group received over 300 applications. “It was an overwhelming response. We didn’t expect so many men to apply. It proved to me that there is a lot of talent in Southern Gospel music. As we stated, our plan was to audition several men, take them on the road with us and then announce them in September. Sometimes plans change. “Stated Matt Felts. “As I was going through demo’s a voice begin to sing and I knew we had found our next lead singer. Ed listened to his demo and agreed. The moment we met Mike Rogers and heard him sing with us we knew God had brought us the right fit.” added Matt.
“Mike started with us the next weekend. The fans have already shown us that we made the right choice. We debuted him at the Absolutely Gospel Fan Fest and Frank Arnolds Songfest in Jackson, TN. After the response he received we knew it wouldn’t take long for word to get out online so we altered our plans and decided to move up our announcement. When God moves, you go with it. Mike is a great talent and we are proud to have him.” said Ed O’Neal.
Mike Rogers comes to the Dixie Melody Boys from Sandersville, GA. He was a member Kindred Spirit. Mike has a wife named Bekki and they have a beautiful three year old daughter named Coraline. He will be moving to Kinston, NC this week. “It still feels like a dream. I am so excited to be a part of this group. I’m looking forward to all that is in store.” said Mike Rogers.
The fans of Southern Gospel music will have several great chances to hear the Mike as the group will be featured at many of the summer’s largest events including Silver Dollar City, the James D Vaughn Quartet Festival, the Albert E Brumley Sing and the National Quartet Convention.
The Dixie Melody Boys will be in the studio shortly to begin wotk on their Sophomore project with Song Garden Music Group. “We are excited to get back in the studio, this project is shaping up to be special. Jason Crabb and David Staton will be producing it so it’s starting off on the right track.” Said Steven Cooper.
“We want to thank each person that applied. We are honored that so many men wanted to be a part of our ministry. “ said Matt Felts.
To see when the Dixie Melody Boys will be near you or to learn more about them, go to http://www.dixiemelodyboys.com/