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Beyond the Song: The Hyssongs sing There is a God

Beyond the Song by Jantina Baksteen featuring The Hyssongs

I caught up with Richard Hyssong of popular trio, the Hyssongs, to talk about their new radio song, “There Is God.” I love the family blend on this song. My first comment to Richard was, “Is this a Shane Roark song?” True story! Enjoy this interview. 

Jantina Baksteen: “There is a God,” is your third release to radio after “Choose Life,” and, “God Says You Can,” off of your latest project, Pressing On. Those three titles that are uplifting by themselves. What is the story behind this album?

Richard Hyssong: Our family has recorded at Chapel Valley with producer, Shane Roark, for about sixteen years. When we started working on our CD, Pressing On, our goal was to pick songs that would encourage people. It seems like the world is filled with hopelessness and the only one that will give us hope is Jesus Christ. We do not have a travelling ministry for awards or accolades, but we just found out that this CD was just nominated as one of the top 10 albums of the year.

We feel really blessed at how well our first single off this album has done. “God Says You Can,” has been on the charts for seven consecutive months. When we first heard this song, written by Matthew Lawson, we knew we had to record it. Phil 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  Many are called but due to self doubt, or others doubting them, they do not act on that calling. We need to remember that when God says you can, there is nothing you cannot do!

Prior to that we released “Choose Life,” which was the No. 1 song in Southern gospel last fall. That song was recorded about seven years ago. We decided to send the song to radio due to the timing of what was happening world wide. The song has three powerful verses, and each verse has a story. We knew that the messages needed to be heard, and people’s lives were changed. Michael Frost, the writer of the song has actually sent us another single that we cannot wait for everyone to hear later in 2020.

JB: Shane Roark is the writer of this powerful song, “There is a God.” Did Shane write it especially for this project?

RH: “There is a God,”, written by Shane, is our brand new radio release. It was written as a response to those that question and deny that God exists. When we were in the song selection stage of our new album, we discussed the state of our world. This song seemed to keep coming up, and there was no doubt we needed to record it. The song seems to be perfect for today as people are questioning everything.

JB: What is the message in this song?

RH: At this point, the world is dealing with Covid 19. As a full time music ministry, there is no income due to churches and venues being closed. In fact, as of right now, no one knows how this will effect world economically. So for me, this song has a deeper meaning. We know that God will take care of us regardless of what happens. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and as the song says “There is a God, He knows my name.” I believe that with all my heart.

JB: I know you have an amazing testimony to share of your daughter, Mckayla. Can you share some of that with the readers?

RH: Most people know that our daughter, Makayla, was born with twenty-two tumors in her heart, and masses of brain tumors. She was just three days old when they discovered her physical issues. My wife, Kelly, and I were told that she would most likely not survive, and that if she did, she would never walk or talk. People all over the world prayed for her and today, she is eleven years old, and doing fantastic. All of her heart tumors are completely gone and she is doing great!

JB: When you look back to that time and that trial with your family, how does that mesh with the message in this song? 

RH: Going through that with our daughter has shown us the power of God. There is no doubt in our minds that “There is a God.”

JB: You travel as a family. How does it feel to spend so much time together?

RH: It is a little different travelling with your family. We have three generations in one vehicle, which can be quite interesting at times, however, we do get along quite well. 

JB: Can you share a funny story that happened on the road? How many dates do you do in a year?

RH: Our family typically performs 225 – 250 concerts and services per year. Each year it seems like we are busier than the year prior. 

Funny story: If you spend anytime with our family, you know we love to laugh. The first year at NQC, we were invited to do a TV interview. We were told that the program was called Daystar. Our time slot was at 8:00 p.m., and we needed to be there 10 minuted prior to sign some paper work. When we arrived at the Daystar network booth, they had no idea who we were or who had scheduled us. I typically do not push, but I felt that they made a huge mistake and had scheduled others and pushed us out. They informed the Booth Brothers that they had made a mistake, and needed to slide the Hyssongs (who nobody knew back then) in their spot. We did the interview and had a great time. Once we were done, we headed toward our booth. As we were walking back another man came up to us and was very upset with us. He informed my family that he was waiting to record us, and that he hosted a TV show with same name, Daystar, but not on that network. What are the chances! Talk about humiliating, however we got on both networks and shows!

The Hyssongs family

JB: Makayla is does an awesome job together with you on stage. Does she have the passion to follow in your footsteps?

RH: I love having our daughter sing a few songs with us at each concert. At this point, I am not sure what she will do in the future. Of course, I would love to have her and our son continue being a part of our ministry in some capacity. However, we want them to make those decisions and follow God’s leading. They both have some great gifts and it will be fun to see what the future has in store for each of them.

Please enjoy this video, as the Hyssongs sing, “There is a God!”

Special thanks to Richard Hyssong for chatting with us on Beyond the Song. You can find out more about the Hyssongs HERE.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019 begins Oct 27

Creekside 2019

Family entertainment and outdoor music return to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019. From Monday through Thursday, October 28 – 31, 2019, Creekside presents daytime and evening concerts, with artists such as 11th Hour, Gerald Crabb, the Hyssongs, the Down East Boys, the Williamsons, the Browders, Bill Bailey, Josh Franks, Eagles Wings, and many more.

Creekside’s new event, Christian Country at the Creek, will be held Wednesday and Thursday at Mill Creek on Florence Drive. Every afternoon from Monday through Thursday, there will be free outdoor concerts at Singing on the Square, with free dinners to the first 100 people. Thursday night will host a special Trick or Treat at the Creek, with free, safe fun for families from Pigeon Forge.

More about Creekside Gospel Music Convention:

WWW.CREEKSIDEGOSPELMUSICCONVENTION.COM
events@sgnscoops.com​
#creekside2019
#wearefamily

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Download SGNScoops Magazine In PDF Here

Find SGNScoops Magazine On Facebook Here

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

SGNScoops to announce 2019 Diamond Awards Top Five Nominees

SGNScoops Magazine is preparing to announce the Top Five Nominees for the 2019 Diamond Awards. This announcement will be made by Jean Grady on a Watch Party, Tuesday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) on the SGNScoops Facebook page.

Rob Patz and Jean Grady discuss the 2019 Diamond Awards.

Jean Grady hosts Gospel Music Today with her husband Ken, and also produces the Diamond Awards along with Rob Patz of Coastal Media.

The Top 10 nominees were voted on until June 15 when the polls closed on the SGNScoops website page. Voting for the Top Five will begin after the announcement on June 25, on the SGNScoops website.

The 2019 Diamond Awards will be presented on October 29 during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Diamond Awards 2018 at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, with Dr. Jerry Goff, Jean Grady, Gerald Crabb

Creekside is held Oct. 27 – 31, featuring Southern, Country, and Bluegrass gospel music in daytime showcases and evening concerts. Some of this year’s featured artists include 11th Hour, the Down East Boys, the Hyssongs, Masterpeace Quartet, Gerald Crabb, Day Three, and many more. New events include Creekside Bluegrass and Christian Country at the Creek.

Creekside also features special speakers, preachers, fun, fellowship, and midnight prayer.  For more information, accommodations, and VIP tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360 – 933  – 0741. #wearefamily

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Meet the Writer: Michael Jason Frost discusses “Choose Life” by the Hyssongs

The Hyssongs

Have you had an experience where you had to convince someone to “Choose Life”? Have you personally faced this choice? The Hyssongs’ new song came from a very personal place for writer Michael Jason Frost.

Here are the lyrics, followed by a video interview with Richard Hyssong, as Michael gives his testimony behind the song…

Michael Jason Frost

Choose Life
(Michael Jason Frost / Morning Frost Music / BMI)

1)
There’s a woman crying softly, a heavy heart and worried mind
As she wonders how she’ll care for this precious unborn child
Somebody said to her you have a choice, in this day and time
But in spite of her uncertainties, the choice becomes clear in her mind

(Chorus)
She chooses life, full and abundant, a precious gift from Heaven above
Life, in spite of all of its trials, is God’s manifestation of marvelous love
When it seems there’s no other choice you can find,
Remember God created us to prosper and thrive,
The choice becomes clear every time,
Choose life

2)
There’s a man crying softly, a heavy heart and a worried mind
As he ponders a decision to give up, and end it all this time
Somebody said to him you have a choice, find the strength inside
In spite of all his uncertainties, the choice becomes clear in his mind

(Chorus)
He chooses life, full and abundant, a precious gift from Heaven above
Life, in spite of its trials, is God’s manifestation of marvelous love
When it seems there’s no other choice you can find,
Remember God created us to prosper and thrive,
The choice becomes clear every time,
Choose life

3)
There’s a world crying softly, with heavy hearts and worried minds
We’ve forgotten there’s abundant life, through Jesus Christ
We all have a choice before we leave this world behind
Jesus is life, so now is the time to decide

(Chorus)
Choose life, full and abundant, a precious gift from Heaven above
Life, in spite of all of its trials, is God’s manifestation of his marvelous love
When it seems there’s no other choice you can find,
Remember God created us to prosper and thrive,
The choice is clear this time,
Choose life

We hope you enjoy this song as sung by the Hyssongs.

For more Gospel Music news, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Special Edition of “Strictly Southern With Vonda Armstrong” – With Guests , The Hyssongs… Tune in Wednesday 4-10-19

Join Vonda Armstrong tomorrow, April 10th from 12:00 Noon- 1:oo Pm (CST) for a “special Interview” with The Hyssongs.

The Hyssongs current radio single, “Choose Life” is making a strong statement at radio stations nationwide.

The Hyssongs

“Choose Life has three verses that each speak to current events,” Hyssong explains. “The first verse deals with the hot topic of abortion. More recently it is being suggested that a mother can have a child, and after the baby is born the mother and doctor will discuss whether to keep the child or not. This is not a cultural or political issue, it is a biblical issue. The song strongly states, ‘Choose Life.'”

Richard continues, “The second verse deals with the subject of suicide. All of us probably have known people who have contemplated or have even take their own lives. Many are hopeless, yet we know the One who gives us hope. Again, we ‘Choose Life.'”

“The third verse is about accepting or rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We again, ‘Choose Life’ and accept Christ,” concludes Richard.

This song is of extreme personal importance to the Hyssongs. Richard tells us why the song is such an extension of their lives.

“Our daughter was born over ten years ago. She was born with twenty-two tumors in and around her heart. She also had a massive amount of brain tumors a well. After she was born, the doctor said that she would most likely not survive, and if she did, she would never walk or talk. Many would have suggested that it would have been good to abort her, but we chose life! Today she is perfectly normal,” he exalts.

The group chose this song as their radio single because of its timely message.

You can tune in to the show via Facebook live , listen at 91.7 FM, or stream at www.wpilfm.com.

Creekside, Where Family & Faith Come Together

Creekside Gospel Music Convention is a convention like no other. The folks pictured above are the core of making this event possible.

They came, they participated, and they got the t-shirt to prove it!

Here’s what a few folks are saying about Creekside 2019:

Ricky Carden, Down East Boys said “I am excited to be a part of Creekside 2019.”  “I have watched this event grow over the past few years and am honored to be included in the great list of artists!”

Down East Boys to appear at Creekside 2019

Richard Hyssong , Hyssong notes, “We are looking forward to returning to Creekside 2019. Our family will be singing our radio hits along with playing our brass instruments. We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting many new ones as well.”

Rob Patz and Richard Hyssong of the Hyssongs

And finally, Rob Patz, owner of Creekside Gospel Music Convention adds, as I was writing this, I begin to think of what all went into the planning process of the first year of Creekside; how unprepared I really was and how awesome God was to step in and bring people of value from day one who would help with everything from seating the people to arranging the midnight prayer time.
So today, I want to share with you my heart. I want to tell you a little bit about what I hope you experience this year when you come and visit us for Creekside 2019.

I want you to experience the friendships that are cultivated during this time. You’re going to get the opportunity to meet new artists and new fans; people that you may never have heard of before. My prayer is that the time you leave this week they will be like old friends.

I hope you enjoy the experience of listening to new music and hearing new speakers. I hope above all that during the time we’re together for four and a half days, that we point you in the direction of Christ. We can spend an entire year planning an event, but that event will fall short if we don’t point you to Christ and a personal relationship with him.

During the next few weeks, you will see items on social media about everything that we are doing as we prepare. In my head, I began counting down the days several months ago. I’m ready to see what God has in store. I believe there is going to be a move of God and I hope to see you there!

Creekside 2019 will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Oct. 27 – 31. The event features the 2019 Diamond Awards, daily showcases and evening concerts, Christian Country at The Creek, and Midnight Prayer. For more information on lodging, VIP tickets, and convention details, contact Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com, or at 360-933-0741. For news and event updates, click on the Creekside Facebook page.

Buy Your VIP Tickets HERE

“25 Days of Sharing” – Richard Hyssong

December is a time for sharing. At Christmas, we (Christians) celebrate The Greatest Gift of All, Jesus Christ.

Over the next few weeks we will be talking with many industry leaders, artists, pastors, promoters, etc. and asking them questions.  They will “share” the answer to the question in 10 seconds or less. We are asking for their best advice on many different topics.

Question number 5 goes to Richard Hyssong Of The Hyssongs..

Richard, your family is from Maine? Some would say that’s a non-geographic “southern gospel” area. In other words, not a lot of southern gospel music in Maine. So, what advice would you give someone from an area like Maine that is wanting to get into singing gospel music?

Creekside features Gospel music Variety from Hyssongs to Jordan Family Band

Creekside 2018

Pigeon  Forge, Tenn. (July 24, 2018) Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018 will feature a great variety of gospel music artists to satisfy every musical taste. From October 28th through November 1st at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, musical guests will include family groups, classic quartets, bluegrass and country style bands. Plus, this family-friendly function is free.

You will hear chart-topping artists such as the Jordan Family Band, the Hyssongs, Mark209, the Williamsons, the Dunaways, the Pine Ridge Boys and other great artists.

The Williamsons with Jerry Goff and Jan Buckner Goff at the Diamond Awards 2016

Don’t miss the specialty events such as the 2018 Diamond Awards, Dr Jerry Goff Honors Arthur Rice, the Red Back Hymnal Choir, Midnight Prayer, Daytime Showcases, and so much more. C.T. Townsend will be speaking.

VIP tickets are available as well as special Group Rate accommodation. Log onto the Creekside Facebook page or website for more information, or call 360-933-0741.

Read the full SGNScoops Magazine July 2018 HERE

THE HYSSONGS REACHES EXCLUSIVE BOOKING AGREEMENT WITH THE APRIL POTTER AGENCY

THE HYSSONGS REACHES EXCLUSIVE BOOKING AGREEMENT WITH THE APRIL POTTER AGENCY

Hendersonville, TN – Award-winning Southern Gospel family trio, The Hyssongs, have reached an exclusive booking agreement with the April Potter Agency.

Dell, Susan, and Richard Hyssong travel full-time as the award-winning Hyssongs. Their energetic ministry combines family vocal harmony, humor, and brass instruments (trumpet and trombone) to delight audiences with their Christ-centered message, shared through the powerful medium of music.

“For the last three years, we have had a great relationship with the Dominion Agency. After much prayer, we feel it would be a good fit for our family and ministry to move to the April Potter Agency,” says Richard Hyssong. “We are excited to announce that we have reached an agreement with the April Potter Agency and we are looking forward to a great future as we work together.”

The April Potter Agency also represents Gold City, Michael English, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Troy Burns Family, Crosby Lane, The Greenes, and others.

“Richard, Dell, and Susan are amazing people who have had tremendous success in Gospel Music,” says April Potter. “They have an amazing gift of connecting with the hearts of audiences everywhere they go. I am excited to continue this journey with them.”

Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase at Creekside 2017

Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase to be featured at Creekside 2017

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (October 16, 2017) – Creekside 2017 is proud to present the Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase, October 30, at Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For the sixth consecutive year, the Creekside Gospel Music Convention will run Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in beautiful Pigeon Forge. Over 40 Southern, Country and Bluegrass Gospel music artists will participate in the week-long convention. Most tickets for this event are free.