The Whisnants: A Family Tradition

The Whisnants

Imagine if you will, a teenage girl at a gospel sing in 1995. She’s sitting on the right side, the middle pew, in a little Pentecostal church located in a small town in northern Florida. She’s 17, and she wants to sing like them. She wants to be like them. They are her heroes at this point in her life.

She’s ecstatic when she gets to meet them briefly and speak to them, but deep down, never knows if she’ll ever be able to sing well enough to get where they are in gospel music.

Now, imagine that same girl 25 years later at a Southern gospel concert hearing that same group. She has witnessed them accomplish so many amazing things since that little town of Cottondale, Fla. However, no achievement will ever compare to the lives they’ve helped lead to the Kingdom of Heaven. This young woman, now a mom, is watching them on stage with tears. She sees a new dynamic on the stage that she didn’t notice as a teenager because she wasn’t a mom yet. That young girl was me, and that group was the Whisnants.

The Whisnants have an incredible legacy and tradition that doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Both Jeff and Susan were born with it in their blood. Their sons, Austin and Ethan, have something special that came from both sides of their family, which will carry on for many years to come.

In 1970, around the old upright piano in John and Betty Whisnant’s house, a family began singing in the Appalachian foothills of Morganton, North Carolina. The voices of children blended with their parents as the sound of a gospel song filled the house. From that time forward, they were known as the John Whisnant Family. Years passed as John, Betty, and their sons Jeff and John sang together, but as the family matured, change was on the horizon.

Susan started singing with her mother and father at the age of 12, and they were known as the Roland Dry Singers. She sang with them until she met Jeff when she was 20. 

“My daddy’s a pastor, so we did many revivals. There were a lot of Friday and Saturday night concerts and stuff like that. That’s how I met Jeff,” says Susan.

They were singing together in Whitesburg, South Carolina during their first meeting. 

“Our hearts did not mesh there. Jeff had his girlfriend there. My momma would elbow me and go, ‘Susan, you got to talk to him.’ I’d say, ‘Momma, he’s got his girlfriend here.’ I finally agreed, (and) on July 4th weekend of 1985 or 1986, Jeff and I went out for our first date, and then I knew he was it. I came home and I told Momma and Daddy that I was going to marry him. I told them there was only one problem. ‘He doesn’t know, and I don’t know how I’m going to convince him to marry me.’ Jeff didn’t have that peace (at first). I had always prayed for God to give me that peace, so I wouldn’t miss who God had for me. That’s how I started singing with the Whisnants. Jeff and I married in May of 1988,” Susan remembers.

The Whisnants signed their first record deal with Sunlight Records, in September of 1988. They went to the National Quartet Convention with Sunlight Records, and stayed with Sunlight Records until 1995. They then made a big move and started United Independent Artists (UIA). Their very first song was ‘I’ll Stand for the Lord’. It went to No. 7, and it was their very first Top 10 song. 

“God blessed us when we took that move. It was a total step of faith,” recalls Susan. 

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Karen Peck and New River/Abraham Productions Announce Homecoming

Karen Peck and New River/Abraham Productions Announce Homecoming

DAHLONEGA, Ga.  – Multiple Grammy Award nominated and six-time Dove Award winning Gospel group Karen Peck and New River is excited to announce their 2018 Homecoming in partnership with Abraham Productions. On Father’s Day weekend the group will continue its annual tradition of hosting the very best in Christian Music. This year it will fall on Friday, June 15, 2018 and Saturday, June 16, 2018 and it will take place at New River Park in Dahlonega, Georgia.

On Friday night at 7:00 PM KPNR will host the Gospel Through Girls and Guitars Tour which features Karen Peck and New River, the Talleys,  HIGHROAD, and the first runner-up on The Voice, Emily Ann Roberts. Ray Flynn, President of Abraham Productions, will also be the guest speaker.

Saturday night at 6:00 PM KPNR will be hosting Tribute Quartet, The Whisnants, and the Wilmington Celebration Choir.

Karen Peck Gooch said, “We are very excited about partnering with Abraham Productions this year. Every year we have such a wonderful Homecoming but I believe this year will be the best one we’ve ever had. We want everyone to join us for a fantastic weekend!”

To purchase Hope For All Nations click any of these icons or go here.

To connect with Karen Peck & New River follow them on social media and their Website.

If you would like to interview Karen Peck and New River contact AG Publicity at

info@agpublicity.com.

To book Karen Peck and New River contact The Harper Agency.

Karen Peck and New River. Image by Photos for Keeps, Erin Stevens

About Karen Peck and New River

Five-time Grammy-nominated and six-time Dove Award-winning family group Karen Peck and New River are no doubt the most popular mixed group in Gospel Music. They are a music powerhouse in the industry. With hit after hit and multiple number one songs, they are one of the most sought after groups today. Karen is known for her country flair and for having possibly the finest soprano voice in any genre of music. Karen was also recipient of the Susan Unthank Memorial Award, an award given by Absolutely Gospel Music only to women who have excelled in the Southern Gospel Music industry. Karen had a feature role in the hit movie “Joyful Noise”, starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. New River’s hit song “Four Days Late” has become a classic in Gospel music. The group members include Karen Peck Gooch, Susan Peck Jackson, Ricky Braddy, Kari Gooch, and Matthew Gooch.

Matt Fouch, Aaron Hise enjoy Thanks-Living

Legacy Five – photo by Craig Harris

I’ve heard it stated a million different ways: “Thank you.” I’m guilty of saying it without truly meaning it. I know I’m not the only one. So often, we’re obliged to express our thanks by simply saying two words. It’s easy to just spit them out and not even really remember why we said it in the first place. We say it to the barista at the coffee shop. Ladies say it when someone opens a door for them. Men say it when someone compliments their golf game. Children say it, often at the prompting of Mom or Dad, when they’re given a gift. As a parent, I’ve worked to instill in my two children to say “thank you” every chance they get. I hear them say it many times; but sometimes, there’s a magical moment when I hear them say it from their heart. How my heart swells with pride to see genuine gratitude in their eyes.

I’ve entitled my article for this month Thanks-Living for this reason: There are times when we express thankfulness in our heart by our words, and there are other times that we express gratitude in our lives. One of the greatest ways we can express this is

Matt Fouch

in song, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss all things Thanksgiving with two friends who just happen to be outstanding artists: Matt Fouch of Legacy Five, and Aaron Hise of the Whisnants.

The atmosphere of the Thanksgiving season is surrounded by things we all love: food, family, and more food! We can throw in some football for all who love sports, and the day just can’t get much better. Family traditions often are born during this time of the year. “We always get together on Thanksgiving Eve. It’s such a fun night!” Matt shares. Aaron added, “Our family’s tradition has always been to get together an extra day to celebrate the holiday. We love the tradition of just having more family time.”

As many readers have probably experienced, having more family around usually provides some free entertainment. Aaron’s story is too good not to share: “The most memorable Thanksgiving that I have ever experienced was when my mom had fixed the most beautiful dinner for me, my dad, and my brother. I was nine years old and my brother was 13. We both had been playing ball outside and came in for dinner. When we got to the table, the turkey had been placed on the edge of the table before we said the blessing. As we were praying, my brother was trying to make me laugh by poking my side. Well, when I tried to get away, I bumped the table just hard enough to make the turkey fall right onto the ground. Needless to say, we called the ‘ten second rule’ and enjoyed a great turkey!”

Whisnants

I haven’t had that kind of experience but one memorable experience for me, was as a boy with my cousin. We were given the daunting task of being the Thanksgiving-trash-taker-outers. We wore that badge with pride all day long. We were taking out one set of bags filled to the top and I opened one of the trash cans, when like a SCUD missile, the biggest opossum I’d ever encountered shot out of the trash can with every tooth in his face showing as he flew right by me. I’ll never forget it, and I’ll never blindly open a trashcan again!

Naturally, the subject of Thanksgiving-themed songs came up, and I asked Aaron and Matt what some of their favorite songs were along the theme of thankfulness. “The Easter Brothers put it best when they said, ‘There’s a roof up above me, I’ve a good place to sleep, there’s food on my table, and shoes on my feet. You gave me Your love, Lord, and a fine family, thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me!’”1 Aaron said. Matt added, “Soul’d Out Quartet recorded a song called, “Thank You Lord.” My wife Candice and I had a beautiful moment one day just driving in the car and listening to this song.”

Aaron Hise of The Whisnants

Obviously, when you get three grown men talking to each other, the subject of food came up. Aaron laid it all out for us. “All of the traditional items will be served this year: turkey, ham, green bean casserole, homemade yeast rolls, dressing, gravy, homemade macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, and the list keeps going on!” Matt added many of the same traditional menu items, but said that there was one thing he couldn’t live without on Thanksgiving: “Cool Whip for the pumpkin pie. I like a little pie with my Cool Whip.”

We could all put down a mile-long list of all the blessings we’ve enjoyed this year, but Matt and Aaron each added specific things that they were thankful for. Matt tells us, “I’m thankful for the peace that passes all understanding! In the midst of a crazy life in a crazy world, as believers, we can have a peace beyond our human comprehension.” Aaron added, “I’m especially thankful this year for the family that God has blessed me with. Suzanne (Aaron’s wife, who also sings with The Taylors) and I are expecting our first child in March. We’re beyond excited!” That’s definitely something to be grateful for!

I mentioned as we began the article about the word Thanks-Living. Are we just saying “thank you,” or are we living  “thank you?” My prayer for myself and for each of our readers is that we won’t just take one special Thursday that’s set aside, and rattle off an impromptu prayer to God for the many blessings He’s given us, but that we, like David the Psalmist, will take time to meditate and think upon the Lord’s goodness to us. His mercy endures forever, and his faithfulness is sure. My sincere thanks to Aaron Hise of the Whisnants and Matt Fouch of Legacy Five for their time and effort this month. Happy Thanks-Living, everyone!

1. “Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me,” Easter, James and The Easter Brothers. Copyright 1975. Renewed 2003. LeFevre- Sing Publishing Company/BMI. (website c.October 21, 2015). www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0085124

Matt Baker and Family

By Matt Baker

First published by SGNScoops magazine in November 2016

For the 2016 November issue of SGNScoops magazine click here.

For more Gospel music news click here.

The Whisnants In Concert

The Whisnants In Concert

People’s Tabernacle Church, 64 Airways Blvd, Savannah, TN will welcome, “THE WHISNANTS”, on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 6:00PM for a special pre-thanksgiving concert. The Whisnants from Morganton, NC have garnered 13 #1 songs, appeared at the National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, and most recently for newly elect President Donald Trump.  This is a rare west Tennessee appearance. Pastor Josh & Ashley Franks will also appear. Admission is free, however a love offering will be received. For more information, go to www.joshandashleyfranks.com

Find More Southern Gospel News HERE

Whisnants help Glorymen celebrate their 27th Anniversary

Whisnants

SGNScoops roving reporter, Jamie Britt, from Lumberton, North Carolina, recently sent us in this feature on the Glorymen’s 27th Anniversary:

On Saturday evening, March 5th, the Glorymen celebrated their 27th anniversary concert at East Lumberton Baptist Church in Lumberton, NC.  Their featured guests were the Whisnants from Morganton NC.

 Some of the highlights for me were getting to see some of the former members come together.  Also, at the end of the concert, The Glorymen and the Whisnants came together to sing, “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.”  

Some of my favorite songs by The Whisnants that

Whisnants at Glorymen anniversary

were sung were: “Worry Ends Where Faith Begins,”which by the way is the current radio release; another favorite was “I’m Not Afraid to Trust Him,” and also, “I’ll Trust the Potter’s Hand.”  

The Lord showed up in a powerful way that evening.  

The greatest moment for me personally came after the concert had ended.  I had the honor of meeting Susan Whisnant.  She’s a very genuine lady filled with the love and compassion of God.  She’s more than willing to pray with a person when needed, and that I admire greatly in her.  

If you ever get an opportunity to see these groups in person, I highly recommend taking the time to pay them a visit.

–By Jamie Britt

More News

Jamie Britt and Susan Whisnant

More on the Whisnants here and the Glorymen.

Whisnants ask for prayer

Susan Whisnant of the beloved gospel singing family, The Whisnants, asked for prayer this morning on her Facebook page. Jeff Whisnants’ grandmother passed away today, January 5th 2016.

Susan noted, “Heaven just gained another Soldier!!!! Jeff’s grandmother just went home to be with Jesus!!! We will miss you Maw Harris!! Prayers appreciated!!!”

SGN Scoops sends their sympathy and prayers to the Whisnant family.

The Whisnants make their hometown in Morgantown, NC. Members include: Jeff Whisnant and his wife Susan, their sons Austin and Ethan, and Aaron Hise. This week, Aaron Hise is celebrating 15 years with the Whisnants’ ministry. Their latest single released to radio is: “Worry ends where faith begins!”

Jeff’s parents, John and Betty, began the group in 1970 as the John Whisnant Family.

For more information on the Whisnants visit them online or on Facebook.

The Whisnants Homecoming 2016

The Whisnants Homecoming 2016

From The Whisnants Just a reminder about our Homecoming Sing March 11 & 12 2016. We’re really excited about the talent we have lined up. Tickets are selling so take advantage of buying both nights at a discount price until Dec 31st. You can also order tickets at www.commaonline.org. Thanks so much…help us get the word out by sharing this post. Blessings!

Whisnant’s Walk of Faith…

WhisnaNts CD

The walk of faith is a long, winding, consistent road for the Christian. Sometimes we worry, sometimes we struggle to gather courage to tell a friend or co-worker about Jesus and sometimes…we even doubt our own salvation. It takes faith to overcome each concern, and that’s something the Whisnants know all about, so they titled their 2015 release: Walk of Faith.

Susan Whisnant-The Whisnants

“It kind of summarizes our whole ministry really,” says Jeff Whisnant. “You don’t stay in ministry as long as we do without having a whole lot of faith.” 

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The Whisnants’ Walk Of Faith: New Release Review by Lynn Mills

Whisnants

The walk of faith is a long, winding, consistent road for the Christian. Sometimes we worry, sometimes we struggle to gather courage to tell a friend or co-worker about Jesus and sometimes…we even doubt our own salvation. It takes faith to overcome each concern, and that’s something the Whisnants know all about, so they titled their 2015 release: Walk of Faith.

“It kind of summarizes our whole ministry really,” says Jeff Whisnant. “You don’t stay in ministry as long as we do without having a whole lot of faith.”

Walk of Faith released July 21^st and I had an opportunity to sit down with Jeff, Susan and Aaron to talk about the project. They shared their favorite songs, why they picked them and how they spent extra time on the production to make it their best yet. If one thing is certain, The Whisnants believe that these new songs are going to make a great impact on believers and they are excited to get it in the hands of the general public.

Whisnants

When I asked the group how they selected the title Walk of Faith, Susan answered, “Marsha Henry wrote a song called, “It’s a Walk of Faith.” When we were deciding about a title to this project we took a week of thinking and making notes. We decided on Walk of Faith because it summarizes the whole project. The songs are about not worrying, telling someone about Christ and holding on to grace. The whole CD is about the Christian’s walk of faith.”

“It’s a Walk of Faith,” isn’t the only tune about faith on the project. The Whisnants’ current single, “Worry Ends Where Faith Begins,” follows along the same theme. “It is a simple song,” Susan goes on. “We talk faith, we talk big, but we all tend to worry. We all tend to sit up at night trying to figure out how we are going to fix things. That’s what this song is about.” Aaron Hise adds, “At some point in your life you’ve worried about something; whether it’s finances, family, health issues. I know I have. It’s definitely a song that will speak to anybody.”

In addition to those faith songs, Susan explains how they believe the whole project will make an impact on the children of God. “This project is very much our heart,” she begins. “It’s going to help people. If you’re worried – we have a song for that. If you doubt your salvation – we have a song for it. I don’t like to sing fluff songs, but songs that are going to help people; this project has nailed it in every facet.”

One such song Susan sings is called, “Saved Is All You Have To Be.” Susan explains, “You know how somebody knows they need to tell their friend about the Lord but they say, ‘I need my pastor to go talk to them and tell them about Jesus,’ or, ‘I wish somebody would tell my friend about Jesus…’ This song says: saved is all you have to be to go and tell the news. It doesn’t take degrees or grand philosophies to give a testimony. You may think you’re not the one to share salvation’s plan, but certain words are not the key. God will give you what you need.”

Another song from this project with a strong lyric is “Holding On To Grace.” Susan tells us about the message. “A lot of people believe that they can be good enough: not drink, not cuss, not hang out with folks who do, but keep their marriage intact instead. They think that if they’re good people, that will get them to heaven and it has nothing to do with it. It’s a deep song that may hit a nerve.” Aaron interjects, “I don’t know if it’s a song we’ll sing every night, but if we need it, it’s there.”

Whisnants

Jeff tells us about his favorite song. “It’s a catchy song that has a play on words, it’s called ‘A Grave Mistake.’ The song talks about how those who nailed Jesus to the cross thought they won. Satan thought he won the victory, but when Jesus came out of the grave they realized they made a grave mistake.”

Producing a CD with thought out arrangements and a deep theme takes time. “We spent four months on this project,” Susan shares, “I feel like we worked hard on this project, more than any other one.”

Jeff adds, “It’s a good mix; we have medium, slow, fast songs and ballads. Trey Ivey (of Legacy Five) produced this project and it’s the first main line project he’s worked on. We also worked with Cliff Duren from Brentwood Baptist, who wrote orchestration for eight of our songs. We have a choir on two songs as well.” Concerning the style, Aaron says, “As a listener, it’s Whisnants. We’ve not changed. It’s not anything new or different; it’s truly Whisnant songs, same message and material.”

“To me, the combination of good songs and the production we spent on it, I think it’s made for a great record,” says Jeff. “We’re excited about it and we hope the people like it as much as we do.” Susan interjects, “Every song will touch you. It’s very similar to More Than Enough, which has the “Potter’s Hand” and “All Is Well.” If they love that, they’re gonna love this. It’s straight up and down Whisnants; but to me, it’s a step above anything we’ve ever done.”

Faith encompasses so many different areas of our Christian lives. When it comes to summing it up; the Whisnants took 12 songs and did it in 43 minutes on this new project. After listening to Jeff, Susan and Aaron talk about these songs and how much the lyrics mean to them, I believe this project will have a powerful effect on every life that pauses and listens to the messages therein. Twelve songs, eight orchestrations, and four months of hard work…it’s a walk of faith.

For more information about Walk of Faith, visit the Whisnants website: www.whisnants.com.

August 2015 SGNScoops Magazine

By Lynn Mills

First published by SGN Scoops in August 2015. For current issues of SGN Scoops digital magazine, visit the SGN Scoops mainpage.

This Week In Gospel Music: Whisnants, McKameys, More!

Susan Whisnant

Nashville, TN (August 14, 2015) – This Week in Gospel Music is going to be a unique show! Mickey Bell goes against the doctor’s orders and calls Susan Whisnant right after she gets home from knee surgery, all in an attempt to catch her still loopy from the medication. Wait ’til you hear what happens! Plus, big news from The McKameys as one of their members retires from road life.

Mickey always has great music, Gospel music news and this week he shares details on a concert you must add to your schedule this year.  All this, plus your chance to win free tickets to the National Quartet Convention and Mickey’s desire to get you to look at page 19 of the August issue of the SGN Scoops magazine.

Don’t forget to download the This Week In Gospel Music app so you can now hear the new show each week the moment it is uploaded on Thursday. Find the app today on www.ThisWeekinGospelMusic.com

 

August 2015 SGNScoops Magazine

We are still adding more stations! Stations can sign up here: bit.ly/stationsignup . Program Directors can check out more information at  www.thisweekingospelmusic.com. AND! We are looking for artists who want to promote their music to a worldwide audience. Contact us at office@thisweekingospelmusic.com 

 

Connect with Mickey Bell on his facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/thisweekingospelmusic

Mickey Bell