Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Just a little talk with Tonja Rose

It was a pleasure to have Tonja Rose featured in this article, as she has an impressive message to share.  This lovely lady talks to SGNScoops writer, Jantina Baksteen.

Jantina Baksteen: Could you please introduce yourself to the SGNScoops readers?

Tonja Rose: My name is Tonja Rose, I am a country girl from Eastern North Carolina. Pinetown, specifically, with a population of 155. I grew up on Free Union Church Road, where I lived between corn and tobacco, and had a pig farm across the road from my house. You don’t get much more country than that unless you’re driving a tractor. All in all, I’m as country as cornbread and I am a sinner saved by grace who dies daily.

JB: You have had a long, rich career in music, starting from a young age. Can you share something about that?

TR: When I came along, or shortly there after, my dad was part of a gospel quartet called The Coachmen Quartet, so I grew up singing. From the age of two, the stage just became a natural fit for me. Throughout school, I was in the band and ensemble and would sing anytime I could. After high school, I got married and moved to Virginia, was in a country band and had the opportunity to open for many country artists that all told me, “You need to move to Nashville.” I moved to Nashville to pursue country music where I had charting success with an Independent record label before the label decided to shut its doors. In 2012, some friends were starting an Christian group and asked if I would be interested in joining them; that group ended up being named Crosby Lane. While with Crosby Lane, we had charting success with our song “Crucified,” and we traveled all across the country. Shortly after this charting success, my husband, Ward, had a stroke in 2016. During his, recovery I tried to convince myself how I could continue with Crosby Lane, but found myself struggling to leave him at home alone. So in early 2017, I stepped away from Crosby Lane and and decided my music days were over. As therapy for myself, I continued to write music and would write a song that changed the whole trajectory of my life, (and) our lives. My co writer, John Mathis, suggested we release the song to radio to see what happens. That song, “When the Mountain Can’t Be Moved” would be the first of four top ten singles from my album, “Me, Jesus, and the Highway,” and would garner five Diamond Award nominations.

Tonja and Ward Rose

JB: You have a new song out to radio, “I’m Not Who I Used To Be.” How did this song come together?

TJ: All the songs off of “Me, Jesus, and the Highway,” have some kind of connection to my husband’s stroke and recovery. The co-writer of “I’m Not Who I Used To Be,” Erin Johnston, brought the idea for this song for a completely different reason but I thought it fit perfectly with our story as I knew both Ward and I were not the same people we were before the stroke. I have learned so much from this song. The idea of that song meant one thing to Erin when she brought it to the table, which we both embraced when we wrote it, but in the end God used it in a  completely different way. And  whenI say “the end,” I mean it. The song truly became what it was intended to be when we decided to release it as the last single from the album and talked about ideas for a video. Here is how God  turnedthis song into so much more: The gentleman in the video is not an actor, but my co-writers’ uncle, John Williams. At the time we wrote the song, Erin’s family did not know if John was alive or dead. They did know this: he had struggled for years and was addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling and was living on the streets. About the time “Me, Jesus, and the Highway,” was released in July of 2018, John reached out to his family for help and they were able to help him get in a recovery program at John 316 Mission in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There he found the love of Christ and has completely turned his life around and is now a mentor to others in the program. He uses this video to share with others his story of how God has changed who he is.

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Midwest Gospel Music Convention Online Concert Series Continues

The Midwest Gospel Music Convention Online Concert Series began last night with Diamond award-winning artist Tonja Rose and the Mark Dubbeld Family. Tonja Rose is a favorite as her music crosses borders between Southern, Country, and Bluegrass gospel. The Mark Dubbeld Family presents traditional family harmony that many Southern gospel music fans appreciate and enjoy.

This is the sixth year for MGMC which has featured concerts, seminars, and workshops during a weekend filled with great artists from the Midwest. Last year’s convention took place in Taylor, Michigan.

This year begins a new chapter in the life of MGMC as the Convention goes live and online, presenting a concert series on Facebook. As many are practicing social distancing and isolation, gospel music artists are doing the same by performing from their homes or local stages. Midwest Gospel Music Convention 2020 hosts an online concert series that is free to Facebook viewers to watch from the comfort of their homes.

The concert series continues today through Monday with performances by the James Rainey Trio, the Spiritual Echoes, the Morse Family, the Hofmeisters, Matchless Grace, Mark Vice, Michael Bailey, and By His Grace.

Be sure to tune in every night for the Midwest Gospel Music Convention concert series. Tonight’s concert begins at 8:00 pm Eastern/ 7:00 pm Central HERE.

Tonja Rose Begins a New Chapter

Franklin, TN (April 30, 2020) The launch of the new single, “Little Talk With Jesus” by Tonja Rose, signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the singer/songwriter. Tonja scored four Bluegrass Gospel Top 10 chart songs from her debut album, ‘Me, Jesus & The Highway’, produced by Tonja and John Mathis Jr. She also secured five Diamond Award Nominations with two Diamond Award wins for Gospel Music Today Video of the Year (“When The Mountain Can’t Be Moved”) and Country Christian Song of the Year (“Hide Me Behind The Cross”). The notoriety the album brought saw Tonja featured on the legendary 650 AM WSM in Nashville and nods from such outlets like CCM Magazine and sharing the stage with artists such as Selah.

“Little Talk With Jesus” is the first single release from Tonja’s second album with Mansion Entertainment/BlueGrass Valley Records and it marks a step into a new chapter of music. The new single has already been delivered to Christian radio and will be available on all digital streaming platforms May 1st. While the current COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the progress of the completion of the new album, listeners will get a taste of what is to come. The new album is being targeted for completion during the summer. The single is being promoted by Vonda Armstrong and Hey Ya’ll Media.

Favorite Christmas Memory- Tonja Rose

Favorite Christmas Memory

My Christmas Memories

I don’t even know where to start because Christmas is my favorite time of the year. My sweet Mama always made Christmas a big deal because it is her favorite too. We share that love of Christmas.
But I guess my favorite memories would be spending Christmas Eve at my Nanny Evelyn’s house. All the family gathered in this little space. It was always too hot, the kids too rambunctious, the collards gone “too” fast and lots of

laughing from the telling of stories from Christmas’s past. The kids have gotten bigger, the house has gotten smaller, the collards still go “too” fast and we continue telling those same stories…maybe with a few embellishments. I have and will always love Christmas Eve at Nanny’s house.


Pictured L to R: Aunt Sheila Alligood, Dale Quidley (my mama), Me, Nanny Evelyn.

Christian Country at the Creek

Creekside Gospel Music Convention has several new and exciting events occurring during the week of music and fellowship in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Oct. 27 – 31, 2019. Running consecutively with Creekside is the inaugural Christian Country at the Creek.

Leslie and Dennis McKay of McKay Project and M.A.C. Records

Tuesday night, Oct. 30, after the 2019 Diamond Awards and evening concert, event goers will travel from the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, to the Creek Stone Inn, located less than one-half mile from the Convention Center at 4034 S. River Road. A fun $5 pizza party will begin at 10:30 p.m., ushering in the Christian Country at the Creek kick-off, featuring artists Jessica Horton, Tonja Rose, and the McKay Project.

Rob Patz and Gerald Crabb

Wednesday, Oct. 30, Christian Country at the Creek begins at 8:45 am at the Mill Creek, 2772 Florence Drive, with The McKay Project. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Gerald Crabb will begin the day of Christian Country. In these two full days of music, fans will hear over 30 artists,  such as: Bonita Eileen, Pardoned, Carol Barham, and more.

Jessica Horton and Tonja Rose

Each evening, concert goers will join with those at Creekside, to enjoy Southern, Bluegrass, and Country gospel music on one stage, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center.

For more information on Christian Country at the Creek, Creekside Gospel Music Convention, the 2019 Diamond Awards ceremony, as well as accommodations and VIP tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741, email events@sgnscoops.com, or click HERE.

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

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Tonja Rose Releases New Music Video & Radio Single

“I’m Not Who I Used To Be” Screen Shot

Franklin, TN (September 30, 2019) – Tonja Rose has released a new music video in correlation to her new radio single, “I’m Not Who I Used To Be”. Luke Price Studios directed and produced the video which features John Williams in the story line (the uncle of co-writer Erin Ashleigh) portraying the journey of his own life story. At the time Tonja and Erin wrote this song a few years ago, John’s family had no knowledge of where he was at, he was homeless and suffering from addiction. Later John entered the John 316 Mission Recovery Program in Tulsa, OK where he committed his life to God and as a graduate of the recovery program works with the program to helps others overcome addiction. The video was shot at the Historic King’s Chapel in Arrington, TN (built in 1804) and downtown College Grove, TN.

“I’m Not Who I Used To Be” is the fourth release from the ‘Me, Jesus & The Highway’ album. The album, produced by Tonja and John Mathis Jr. (Bluegrass Valley/Mansion Entertainment), has garnered 3 Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Top 10 chart singles and received 4 Diamond Award Nominations. Tonja is already busy in the studio writing and recording new material for her next album release in 2020. 

Tonja Rose and music video cast at Historic King’s Chapel in Arrington, TN

For more information about Tonja Rose or to watch the new music video for “I’m Not Who I Used To Be”, visit her facebook page: Facebook.com/TonjaRoseMusic

First Day of Southern Gospel Weekend a blast!

Oxford, Ala. (March 22, 2019) – The first day of Southern Gospel Weekend was filled with numerous gospel artists and styles, from the Bluegrass sound of Eagle’s Wings to the Country gospel stylings of Tonja Rose and Jessica Horton. Fans began filling the auditorium at 5:00 p.m. and the excitement grew as the First Responders and Veterans began entering the hall, after a special private reception with the artists.

The Veterans Appreciation event began the evening with the presentation of the flags, followed by keynote speaker Ken Rollins, who honored the Veterans and First Responders for their service. Special music by Mark209 and Matthew Wilson of Eagles Wings.

The musical portion of the evening was very well received, with artists like Mercy Rain, the Williamsons, New Ground and ClearVision Quartet.

After the concert, many went to eat at Hubbard’s Off Main, where the Midnight Prayer portion was led by Tonja Rose.

We hope you enjoy the images we have captured for you.

Please note, for any that are in the Oxford, Ala., area:  All day Saturday there are events in the Civic Center. Most are free admission. Be sure to catch the Diamond Awards Top 10 big reveal.

For more information please call

SGW 2019 Thursday Mid Prayer. Tonja Rose

256-310-7892.

Christian Country Expo returns to Cookeville, Tennessee 

CCX ’19 will feature Jessica Horton and Tonja Rose teaching songwriting

Musical weekend features songwriting  showcase

Cookeville, Tenn.  — Coastal Media is pleased to present Christian Country Expo ’19 in Cookeville, Tenn., June 20 – 22, 2019. Welcoming over 30 Christian Country artists and hundreds of fans, Christian Country Expo is three days and nights of music, shopping and family fun, held at the Quality Inn Convention Center, 970 S. Jefferson Ave.

CCX ’19 will feature fan favorite artists such as Tonja Rose and Jessica Horton during daytime and evening concerts, along with a large exhibit hall filled with artist booths. A new addition is a songwriting course for aspiring artists.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful event,” says Rose. “I’m totally pumped about having the opportunity to work alongside of Jessica Horton, mentoring and writing with some of Tennessee’s young songwriters. It’s gonna be a blast!”

Horton agrees. “I am so excited to be a part of the Christian Country Expo this year. I am especially excited about the new songwriting workshop that Tonja Rose and I are crafting for the kids in the community.

“Music is one of the best ways to understand ourselves, our faith, and the world around us,” continues Horton. “Songs tell our stories, and each generation tells its own tale. This workshop is designed to teach the students about the songwriting process, guide them through crafting a song of their own and empowering the songwriters of the future!”

Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media, says he is thrilled to return this year to Cookeville, as the community was so welcoming last year.

“Christian Country Expo is about more than just music,” says Patz. “It’s about community, family, and faith. It’s about bringing people together to embrace our freedom to worship and fellowship as we please. It’s about enriching the young members of the community with music and knowledge. I’m excited Cookeville is open to CCX ’19. I can’t wait!”

For more information on CCX, or to set up interviews with CEO of Coastal Media, Rob Patz, organizer of CCX, phone 360-933-0741.

Tonja Rose Celebrates Chart Debut & New Album Release

(Pictured: Album Cover for ‘Me, Jesus & The Highway’ – High Rez 3000×3000 Available Upon Request)

Franklin, TN (June 8th, 2018) – July will be a special month for Tonja Rose and BlueGrass Valley / Mansion Entertainment as there will not only be a chart debut single but the debut of a new album.

The new album was co-produced at Mansion Entertainment by Tonja Rose and John Mathis and contains 12 songs from songwriters such as Tonja, Erin Ashleigh, Jim Gaines, Sandy Carroll, Karen Staley, Tricia Walker, AJ Masters (songs recorded by Faith Hill, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Berry, etc), Ken Harrell, Phil Everly (of the Everly Brothers), John Mathis and Mark Narmore. The title cut of the album was co-written by Tonja, John Mathis and Mark Narmore (songs recorded by Josh Turner, Craig Morgan, Shenandoah and many others). This trio of songwriters also penned another song for the album, “Walking Each Other Home”, which features a duet between Tonja and Benjy Gaither. ‘Me, Jesus & The Highway’ also includes a few favorite traditional songs like “Jesus On The Mainline”, “Pass Me Not” and “Softly and Tenderly”.

Tonja recently joined Devin O’Day on The Legendary 650 WSM to talk about the album and will be the special guest artist at several concerts for the Multi-Dove Award Winning group, Selah, throughout the summer.

TRACK LISTING:

When The Mountain Can’t Be Moved
(Tonja Rose, John Mathis)

Jesus On The Mainline
(Public Domain)

Me, Jesus & The Highway
(Tonja Rose, John Mathis, Mark Narmore)

Softly And Tenderly
(Public Domain)

Standing On The Rock
(Sandy Carroll, Mark Narmore, Jim Gaines)

Pass Me Not
(Public Domain)

Walking Each Other Home (feat Benjy Gaither)
(Tonja Rose, John Mathis, Mark Narmore)

Keep Walkin’ On
(Tricia Walker, Karen Staley)

He Does
(Tonja Rose, Mark Narmore)

Hide Me Behind The Cross
(Tonja Rose, Mark Narmore)

Call On God
(AJ Masters, Ken Harrell, Phil Everly)

I’m Not Who I Use To Be
(Tonja Rose, Erin Ashleigh)

For information about Tonja Rose visit: TonjaRose.com.

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