d i g i t a l
Di x i e Me l odyBoy s
table of contents 5
Publisher’s Point
8
Letter From the Editor
11
Creekside Gospel Music Convention Update
14
Life, Love, and Legends
17
Women of Faith
20
Dixie Melody Boys
24
Rob Patz Celebrates 20 years
32
The Lesters
37
Reflections with Sherry Anne
40
Dove Brothers
45
October Music Reviews
50
Ivan Parker
54
Christian Country
57
Dr Jeff Steele
60
11th Hour
65
Christian Fitness
68
Younger Perspective
72
NQC 2013
Our Mission SGNScoops exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. With integrity, we aspire to strengthen Christians, highlight people who are fulfilling a call to minister and emphasize the music that inspires audiences and glorifies God. Publisher- Rob Patz Editor in Chief- Rhonda Frye Feature Editors- Sandi Duncan Clark, Lorraine Walker Layout/Design- Pete Schwager Cover Design- Stephanie Kelley Founder- Dr. Allen Smith
www.sgnscoops.com
77 Contributors
Have a SCOOP to share? For news consideration, email us at news@sgnscoops.com
Ozark
Publisher’s Point by Rob Patz Happy fall, everyone, and welcome to the October edition of the Publisher’s Point. I love the fall season. It could be because of football season or maybe because I know the holidays are just right around the corner as soon as the leaves start changing. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and we’re almost there! We are excited about a lot of cool things going on. Honestly, I’ve been praying daily since the 2012 National Quartet Convention for the Lord to give me wisdom in regards to leading the magazine and all that we do at SGNScoops. The Bible does say in James 1:5 that if we lack wisdom, we should just ask and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing on a daily basis for the past year. My most sincere heart’s desire is for the Lord to guide my footsteps in all that we do at the magazine to shed light on what Jesus Christ is doing through our music. It really is all about Him. It was great seeing so many of our friends at the National Quartet Convention and it is always cool to see how God is working through so many ministries. Thank you to all who stopped by our booth and spent time with us. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing positive comments and feedback from so many about the magazine and what we’re doing to promote gospel music. It always helps to stir the passion a little more when artists say how much the loved and appreciated their articles and that working with my staff was a pleasurable experience. It’s always nice to receive pats on the back from other media peers that understand how much hard work it truly takes to present a product with integrity and style. So- thank you so much, everyone for taking your time to encourage and inspire me to keep on keeping on! I can’t even say how excited I am about year two of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention! The excitement is certainly buzzing and many people are looking forward to this just as much as I am. I do want to stress again to preorder tickets! Remember, the tickets are free, but this way, you’ll be guaranteed a seat! We’re praying for a great turn out. I’m looking forward to every activity that will take place, but it will be a special honor to recognize Ed O’Neal for all he has done for our industry. I look up to him so much and respect him tremendously for all the mentoring he has done over the years. This will be a special night, for sure. We have also tallied up the Diamond Award votes and are looking forward to presenting YOUR favorite artists and groups their awards on the Tuesday of Creekside. Again- this is another special night not to be missed. Make sure you read Lorraine Walker’s Creekside update in this issue. If you have any ideas about the magazine or if you’re planning events in 2013 that you would like to have us a part of, please email me at rob@sgnscoops.com. See you at Creekside!
CREEK SIDE GOSPEL MUSIC CONVENTION Pigeon Forge, TN
October 28: Lou Hildreth Honors October 29: Patterson Music Group Showcase Home of the SGNSCoops’ Diamond Awards Lou October 30: Great Gospel Music Old Time Gospel Sing
Hild
Daily Chapel Services with Dr. Jeff Steele The
Skyline Boys
Steve Taylor
Barry & Gail Brown
Declaration
Pine Ridge B
Mercy’s Bridge
Hearts of Faith
The Partons
Ava Kasich
Pauline Patterson
The Cargils
The G
Sherry Anne Tina Wakefield Jim
Appointed Quartet Drew Zeringue Weston & Christy Tony Corner Hinson
Tony Dean Family
Centur
Ed O’Neal Jeff Steele Larry Ford Phil Cross Dixie Melody Boys
dreth
Williamsons
Boys
Gobers
Lindsay Huggins
The Griffins
Rose Gilley
Omega
Paul's Journey
Faith’s Journey
Sheldon Shannon Knight Michael & Delilah Mark Aldred Zack Swain
rions
The Singing Byrds
Crossland Trio
Singing Cookes
Porter Family Mike Southerland
Rhonda Frye
Tim Livingston
The
Logan Smith
His Mercies
Sharron Kay Lisa Herald King
Bev McCann Pam Grundy
Letter From The Editor “Reconnect!” By Rhonda Frye
My adventurous life with SGNScoops continues to foster gratefulness! My memories made in Louisville at the National Quartet Convention last month are tucked deeply in my heart to be cherished forever. I frequently say, “The gospel music industry is much like a church family to me!” I am thankful for the many relationships I have. I respect lots of wonderful people in our industry and have learned many great things from their godly examples. Most don’t even know I’m watching! I am most definitely blessed to have people in my life that love this music as much as I do. Our music is the best in the world! I am grateful that my parents introduced me to Southern Gospel when I was a little girl. They ignited a fire in me the day they introduced me to The Downings! While most kids were playing outside, I was banging on the piano teaching myself to play “I’ve Got Confidence.” As I advanced into my teen years, and then into adulthood, I lost my connection with Southern Gospel Music. In my teen years I was lured away by classic rock and by the time adulthood came, my children ruled the CD Player. I don’t remember the year, but I would guess around 10 years ago, my brother played a part in getting me reacquainted with Southern Gospel by taking me to a Crabb Family concert. Needless to say, the Crabbs stole my heart and I fell in love with the music all over again. I can’t help but wonder how many people are out there just needing a reconnection? I have a feeling there are a lot of people out there that just need to be reintroduced to our music- and I met one such young lady!
On Friday night of the NQC, a bunch of us friends partied at Steak and Shake. While there, our sweet server tried to figure out what had been going on in her town?! People that “looked like singers” had been in and out of Steak and Shake all week. She finally broke down and just asked us what had been going on. It was the sweetest thing to watch her wheels spin as lyrics to songs started coming back to her mind. “I remember a song about a cup and a saucer,” she said. Her face lit up as she dug deep into her memory bank, and then quoted lyrics to a Karen Peck tune. She smiled as she recalled the Crabb Family and a few others that her Grandmother had listened to. The look on her sweet face revealed that she loved the music, but for whatever reason she had lost touch with it. My mind has been racing since I’ve been home. How can we reintroduce our music? How can we reconnect? How can we make new fans? We have the talent, but how can we connect the talent, the message and the music to new people? I don’t have all of the answers, but I know one thing… I’m on a mission (thank you, facebook) to help our new friend from Steak and Shake get reacquainted with Southern Gospel! We all know it goes beyond the music- so I’m praying the music draws her heart toward the Lord like never before. I also made an observation during Dr. Charles Stanley’s recent birthday bash at First Baptist Atlanta. Triumphant Quartet, The Booth Brothers, TaRanda Green, Greater Vision and Collingsworth Family all took part in a lovely night of worship and music in light of Dr. Stanley’s birthday. I noticed the packed out sanctuary included a diverse group of people. Let’s just be
honest- the typical SG crowd is pretty much made up of middle and older aged Caucasian folks. However- this congregation was multi-cultural and included people of all ages- and guess what? EVERYONE loved the music – nearly everyone participated with clapping along, singing along and especially with the worship. People of many races especially enjoyed the hand-clappin’, foot stompin’ rendition of the “I’ll Fly Away” grand finale. I observed a simple truth that night… If the music sounds good, and carries a good message… people like
it. Now- I’m on the hunt trying to figure out how to get it to them! Well…… I’m pumped and ready to see my friends at Creekside! Three wonderful days of pure bliss- Southern gospel music and spending time with my friends that love it as much as I do! I’m hoping that we can have some time to “brain-storm” and come up with fresh ideas of how we can take this music out and connect it and reconnect it to a brand new audience.
GospelGigs.com
Featured Groups for October
Support Southern Gospel music and support these groups the next time they’re in your area.
Blackwood Brothers Quartet
http://www.blackwoodbrothers.com
Final Hour Productions
http://www.gospelgigs.com/bobetzel
Calvarys Mercy
http://www.calvarysmercy.org
Curtis Pruett
http://www.curtispruettsr.com
Express Praise
http://www.expresspraise.webs.com
Hearts Desire
http://www.heartsdesireministries.com
Jeff Steinberg Ministry Team http://www.TinyGIANT.com
Persuaded One
http://www.gospelgigs.com/persuadedone
The Bridgemans
http://www.thebridgemans.com
The Inmans
http://www.theinmans.com
The Helmsmen
http://www.thenewhelmsmen.com
Three Parts Grace
http://www.gospelgigs.com/threepartsgrace
Thurston Promotions
http://www.thurstonpromotions.com
The Victory Trio
http://www.thevictorytrio.com
Living Fountains
http://www.gospelgigs.com/livingfountains
Lumber River Quartet
http://www.lumberriverministries.com
MARK 209
http://www.Mark209.com
The Masters Men + 1
http://www.mastersmenquartet.com
One Way Quartet
http://www.onewayquartet.org
Persuaded
http://www.youtube.com/user/PersuadedVideo
http://www.GospelGigs.com
Behind the Scenes at
By Lorraine Walker At last it’s here: October, the month of Creekside Gospel Music Convention at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If you haven’t reserved your free tickets yet, do it today. Monday October 28th, the Convention begins with a bang with Ms. Lou Hildreth honoring the man of the hour, Ed O’Neal. It will be a fun evening with past and present Dixie Melody Boys and friends of Ed sharing with us what he means to the world of Southern Gospel music. Tuesday morning, join us bright and early at 9:00am for a Chapel Service with Dr. Jeff Steele, followed by the Patterson Promotions Concert. Tuesday evening is the spectacular Diamond Awards program saluting the best in Southern, Country and Bluegrass Gospel music. Wednesday morning begins with the 9am Chapel and the special daytime event, The Old Time Gospel Sing. The Wednesday evening concert will be a special time as we close out the Convention with more of the best in Gospel music. All of these events take time, planning and a lot of hard work. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those that work so hard behind the scenes, making Creekside run smoothly and professionally. We salute Andrea Thorne, our Pigeon Forge liaison, who has managed the local coordination of Creekside, which is a challenging job when the event staff is spread out over two countries. Our technical gurus, Jonathan Edwards who takes care of the Diamond Awards and Tim Griffin, Convention backstage manager and also coordinator of the Old Time Gospel Sing, are always willing to assist wherever and whenever they are asked. Holly May has been looking after the concert media and we appreciate her artistic and technological talents.
“I think the most exciting thing about Creekside is how the artists get along backstage, like a big family, which is the way it should be!” says Jonathan Edwards. The Creekside staff is also like a big family and behind the scenes all year long are SGN Scoops staff: Rhonda Frye, Angela Griffin, Lou Wills Hildreth and Lorraine Walker, who balance the correspondence, advertising, event promotions, social media and magazine features. Other Scoops staff, including Sandi Clark, Joan Walker, Jennifer Campbell, and others, also gave assistance during the year. Rhonda Frye, Editor of SGN Scoops, says, “I am pumped about this year’s Creekside Gospel Music Convention. It is going to be a great time of visiting, sharing and catching up with friends! I’m excited that my parents and hopefully my 90-year-old Grandmother will be in attendance. I love Southern Gospel Music more than air and almost more than food, so to be surrounded by the best music in the world is going to be pure bliss. We had a great experience last year, but have made a few tweaks here and there that will hopefully make this year’s event even better. I am blessed to have a small role and even more blessed to be serving in a double role by participating as an artist with my new group, Rhonda Frye and Riverside. I’m grateful for the leadership of Rob Patz who has made this event free to the public. Because of this, many people will experience fantastic music and hear the good news of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that people will be drawn to the Lord’s wonderful love and experience transformation that only He can provide!
Creekside 2013, bring it on!” All of these behind-the-scenes workers have also been adding their time and talents to the special events of the Ed O’Neal Honors evening and the 2013 Diamond Awards. Creekside is so grateful to each of our staff members. We also thank Rob Patz for guidance, assistance and coming up with all the last-minute great ideas.
“I’m so proud of all the Creekside staff,” says Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media and Publisher of SGN Scoops. “They are always willing and available whenever there is a task to be done. I know that these volunteers are some of the best at what they do in the industry and I am humbled by their willingness to lend their talents to us and to the Lord. Come join us at Creekside and let them know how much you appreciate them as well.”
SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group are excited to extend this invitation to fans across the county to attend the 3-day Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Creekside will be held October 28, 29 and 30th, 2013, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Special hotel rates are available onsite and reservations can be by phone by calling toll free at: 1-800-223-6707 or online by visiting http://www.smokymountainconventioncenter.com For more information on CGMC, click on to http:// www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ Free tickets are still available to all events and the exhibit hall. For online ticket registration, please visit http://creekside2013-new.eventbrite.com/
K O , a s l Tu
Join Ken and Jean Grady and their guests for southern gospel news, concert updates and much more on the internet at www.gospelmusictoday.com
Southern Gospel Television on your computer!
Life Love & LEGENDS “Welcome to Creekside GMC”
by lou wills hildreth Howard and I are privileged to be passionately involved in promoting gospel music, and we will LOVE seeing many of you at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this month. The greatest joy of my LIFE is to see God’s favor poured out on the ministries of our colleagues. It was fun to watch Rob Patz, Rhonda Frye, Angela & Tim Griffin doing interviews and taking photos of the artists in the Scoops booth at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, a few weeks ago. We made some new friends, including Lauren Huckabee, a member of Rhonda’s trio. Much of our time with these fabulous friends was spent inviting fans to come to Creekside GMC Oct 28, 29, & 30. On Monday night we will be co-hosting with the talented Larry Ford as we present the “Legacy Of Ed O’Neal” a true LEGEND in gospel music. Larry is
a featured soloist on the Gaither Homecoming videos. He and his wife Sherryl are longtime friends, and we are extremely proud of them. When Larry was fifteen years old, we made Larry’s first recording on Sword & Shield, a label owned by my brother Calvin Wills and me. Later, Calvin presided at Larry’s induction into the Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame. Grammy award recipient Larry Ford has ministered in 49 states and more than 30 foreign countries. Co-hosting the Monday night event at Creekside with Larry will be pure delight!!! Many former members of the Dixie Melody Boys will be there to honor Ed O’Neal. Over the years, Ed has had great influence on numerous young men who are well known in gospel music today. A partial list of DMB alumni includes Rodney Griffin, McCray Dove, Bryan Walker, Devin McGlamery, Dan Keeton, Harold Reed, Dustin Sweatman, Eric Ollis, and Donald Morris.
The exciting Diamond Awards are on Tuesday, Oct 29th, and it will be a privilege to present the “Lou Hildreth Award” to a deserving member of the gospel music industry. A big finale is planned for Wednesday. Admission is free to all events. Join us as we celebrate the love, grace, and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is coming soon!!!! Contact us: wwwlouhildreth.com gosplvideo@aol.com Photo 1. Larry Ford & Lou Hildreth will co-host a tribute to the “Legacy Of Ed O’Neal” Monday, October 28, Creekside GMC Pigeon Forge, TN Photo 2. Dixie Melody Boys—Aaron Dishman, Ed O’Neal, Matt Felts, and Josh Garner (musician Steven Cooper not shown)
Rhonda Frye x
www.rhondafrye.com
Believe God Can Do Anything! The 2013 Women of Faith Tour
By Jennifer Campbell Imagine standing in an arena as CeCe Winans leads over 8,000 women in singing the inspiring lyrics of the praise and worship chorus, “I Love You, Lord.” Or picture yourself as you are drying your tears after hearing Lisa Harper’s journey toward the adoption of her 4-year-old little girl Missy. And consider what it’s like to laugh until your sides hurt as Mark Lowry tells stories about his relationship with his sweet Mama. From the first note sung to the last word spoken, this year’s “Believe God Can Do Anything” Women of Faith tour was like no other. The Holy Spirit descended upon the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida, and everyone was reminded that God can do anything! The event featured several prominent Bible teachers who shared God’s Word in an inviting manner that provided an opportunity for listeners to hear the scriptures in an entirely new light. Sheila Walsh spoke about her personal battle with depression and the first time she spoke in front of a large audience. Her experiences, though difficult, God has used for His good. Lisa Harper openly shared her own struggles, including the valleys and mountains she has encountered during the adoption process of her precious daughter.
Mark Lowry shared about the hardship of seeing his mom’s health decline, and shared how God gives him strength even in tough times. Holly Wagner talked about how God uses the interruptions in our lives to alter our course for His good. All of the speakers spoke from their hearts, showing their vulnerability, not afraid to speak about the things that have hurt the most and the things that matter most. Max Lucado presented an object lesson on Romans 8:28. He said that he and his wife like to enjoy a cup of coffee together on morning when he is home. Recently, he said that he took a sip of his coffee and said, “That’s good.” He went on to explain that he was not saying that the coffee filter was good, nor was the coffee pot and water. He showed the various items needed to make a pot of coffee, such as the coffee grounds, coffee scoop, and bag the coffee comes in. Then he came to the main point of this elaboration on coffee. While none of these things were good, if they were brought together at the right temperature and the correct measurements, then they produced something that tasted good. He then compared this example to our lives. He said that cancer and other
again, much like it did as CeCe Winans so beautifully sang the song “Alabaster Box.” The Christian Rock band Third Day also performed, with Sheila Walsh joining them for their final song, “Alleluia,” which invited the spirit of worship into the arena once more. The Bible says where two or three are gathered together in the name of the Lord, He will be right there in the midst of them. Put 8,000 ladies in one room, calling on the name of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and you’re going to see God move!
bad things that we encounter in our lives are not good either. But when God takes them all in His hands, He brings them all together for our good.
The entire event centered around one theme: Jesus Christ and the unconditional love that He has for us. One presentation featured sand animation art by Mark Demel. The film portrayed the Creation through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, accompanied by songs such as “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” The entire arena erupted when the screen showed an empty
tomb and the words “But Not Here.” The joy of the Lord permeated the building and you could tell that a sweet spirit filled the enormous venue once
The finale of the event featured praise and worship led by Gateway Worship and commentary by some of the speakers, perfectly paired with scenes from The Bible Series produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. This segment was the perfect way to cap off a glorious weekend. It was centered on the reason we sing, the reason we speak, the reason we live: Jesus Christ. As they showed the Crucifixion of Jesus, there was barely a dry eye in the arena. When they showed His Resurrection, the building burst into a round of applause and cheers. It was at this moment that I realized why this was the one of the best Women of Faith events I have ever attended. It was because at this particular event, the theme was more than a collection of words; it was the belief of many individuals in that room. For thousands of those ladies believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that God could do anything!
D E R O GF N I N S E Y P O P B A Y H D E O R L A E NGS IE M I X I H T D E D GOO L AND TH A O’NE By Sandi Duncan Clark One of the buzz topics at National Quartet Convention this year was the news and anticipation of a new Song Garden recording from the Dixie Melody Boys Quartet. The CD, titled HAVE YOU HEARD, was delivered and debuted on stage at convention. That, along with the recent addition of Josh Garner as lead singer and earlier this year, Aaron Dishman as pianist and baritone, created a great degree of anticipation. For those who had heard the quartet in recent months, compliments have come often and positively. The Dixie Melody Boys Quartet, along with owner, manager, and well-respected bass singer, Ed O’Neal, have an extensive history in Southern Gospel music. In 2011, Ed celebrated 50 years as manager of the quartet. Ed’s singing history began a number of years before, singing with his family in church. He began his life-time dream of a singing career with a local group in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina in 1958. Then in 1961 he joined the Dixie Melody Boys. Shortly thereafter he bought the quartet and has consistently kept the quartet busy down through the years. Ed O’Neal’s knowledge of the Gospel Music industry has stood the Dixie Melody Boys well and his expertise in the field is often sought out by newcomers as well as veterans of the industry. After all, as manager and owner of the Dixie Melody Boys, Ed has managed to continually stage one of the finest quartets on the circuit.
Two phrases define this stately gentleman and always appear in every communication of his story and his career. Ed is known to tell any interviewer: “All I ever wanted to do was sing a song…and I just want to see it done right.” And that’s exactly what you’ll hear from Ed O’Neal the Dixie Melody Boys Quartet. The second phrase one hears relates to his being a master quartet man, noted for turning out some dynamic young performers from the “Ed O’Neal University.” Ed laughingly explains: “Rodney Griffin was with me a couple of years and once said he had learned more from his time with us than all four years of his college education. He coined the university name.” That being said, the list of young men Ed is credited with introducing to the business includes, of course, Rodney, currently with Greater Vision, McCray Dove, manager of The Dove Brothers, Ernie Haase of Signature Sound, Bryan Walker of The Perrys, Harold Reed, Devin McGlamery, Dustin Sweatman, Derrick Selph and Jonathan Price, just to mention a few. Ed tells us the Dixie Melody Boys still carry shirts on the product table from the ED O’NEAL UNIVERSITY! On a recent weekend tour in Alabama, Ed took time to talk about the group, their new album and Southern Gospel Music as a whole. “I’m absolutely thrilled with the group of men in the quartet right now,” he shared. “With-
out a doubt, this is the easiest group to sing with that I think we’ve ever had.”
product may well be the best sound fans have heard from the Dixie Melody Boys in a while.
Ed describes the quartet, “Steven Cooper was having vocal problems and I didn’t want to have to let him go; he’s a good man and a hard worker. He stepped down vocally and began running sound and playing bass guitar.” Ed went on; “I had heard Aaron Dishman play piano before, and he contacted me and asked to try out. He was a perfect fit from the time he walked on the bus, and does a great job singing baritone and playing piano. With Steven and Aaron and sometimes Matt playing guitar, we have a band and fan’s love it with you can stage live music.”
Ed applauded the men, “I love the songs, I love the arrangements, the music; all of it. I believe this is one of the best albums we’ve ever done. I can honestly say that I believe all four of these men are Christian men, with a desire to sing good Gospel music.”
“When Mike Rogers resigned, Josh Garner called me and said he would like to fill-in till we found the right man for the job. Josh and John Rulapaugh had formed a group, and due to John’s business, the group cut back on its schedule during the summer. I was excited that Josh would want to do that for me,” Ed explained.
three years and since Matt came on board, we’ve received the best press we’ve ever had, thanks to his work. Matt’s marketing skills are second to none!
”I had tried to hire Josh when he was a teenager, but it just wasn’t the right time. I knew Josh could do the job and his grandmother always thought he would be good with us but it didn’t work out before she passed away. We were standing on stage one night and I said to Josh, ‘I wish your grandmother could hear us, and he said ‘me too, Ed.’ He had told us that when we found the right guy, to just let him know.” “When we sang together, it was like we had always been together as a group. In early August, he was with us when we tried out a young man, and afterward he asked if we had hired the guy. He then said he had been praying and he would like to have the job. Of course we were thrilled,” Ed concluded. The new recording was already in the works: song selection, arrangements, music tracks all came together. As the vocals played out with Josh and Aaron, the finished
While talking to Ed, his excitement about the quartet continued and he was quick to compliment Matt Felts, his outstanding tenor. “Matt is a fine man, with a dynamic voice and a head for marketing. He’s been with me for over
“He sings beautifully, plays guitar and writes some tremendous songs. Matt wrote the single we sent out to radio from the new album, titled ‘Roll Back.’ He’s a hard worker and is very involved in the group.” Ed smiled as he said, “You know, we work 180 dates, plus, every year, depending on the longer trips. Traveling with these young men keeps me young. I just let them to the roadie stuff and I just go and sing,” he chuckled. “I bought a bus a year or so ago, so my wife, Joy could go with me, and we’re loving it. I traveled all over the world, and except for an occasional trip or cruise, she didn’t get to see all the places that I’ve seen. She and I are really enjoying seeing those places together now, and at this stage in life it’s an awesome thing!” We caught up with Matt felts a few days later, we learned more about the new recording. “It was a great experience and we’re very pleased and can’t wait to see how the Lord is gonna use it. David Staton, who produced our first Song Garden recording, THE CALL IS STILL THE SAME, also produced HAVE YOU HEARD, and we have some powerful
songs by some of the best writers in the industry.”
pany, with radio personalities, and it’s just a great time.”
“I’m excited that ‘Roll Back’ is our single. I wrote it a while back but didn’t get the second verse so I put it away. When we were getting ready to record, I mentioned it to David (Staton) so we worked on it together,” Matt informed. “It’s a different take on when the children of Israel were fleeing Egypt, and they came to the Red Sea, Moses knew the area, because he had been there before. He was found in the marshes there by Pharaoh’s daughter and knew it. I think fans will enjoy it.
There are great things happening for Ed O’Neal and the Dixie Melody Boys Quartet. They are enjoying success with their music, their concert tour dates and their fans love what they do. It’s exciting to watch when good things happen for those we care about. Over the years, we have learned to love Ed O’Neal, the tall gentleman with the distinguished white hair and trademark mustache; the stately walk and warm smile. His current quartet has talent, (always a requirement when you work for Ed!) a desire to present the Gospel in their music, and a testimony. Yes, we want good things for those we care about, and this group cares about Ed and each other, and it shows!
When asked his favorite song on the recording he identified “Death Has Died.” He stated, “This has been one of my favorite songs for a long time. The Cathedrals recorded the song when Ernie first joined them, and he was just learning to do “What A Savior” so they never send it to radio. If I remember correctly, Ernie told me they did it on stage only one time. It’s a beautiful, big ballad and I’ve loved it ever since I first heard it.” Matt expounded on other songs, “Ed sings ‘What Remains Of Me;’ a song that reflects what will remain of us when we have gone on. It’s a beautiful song and the Isaacs sing the second chorus with Ed. Ed told us, “Joseph Habedank and Rodney Griffin wrote ‘Valley Of Tears,’ and as you know when either of these guys write songs they are great songs.” Both Ed and Matt commented on their trip to the National Quartet Convention this year. “It was a good time for all of us,” Ed said. “Fans were happy to see Josh and to meet Aaron and hear the group together. We had the new CD there and we sang some of the songs, so it was a fun time. It was a little bittersweet, since it was the last convention at Louisville. The move next year to Pigeon Forge will be interesting.” When asked what he had heard from fans at NQC, Ed explained, “Oh, I think like with everything new, there will be some things all of us will have to learn; the mention of traffic of course, and others have mentioned the fact that the building is flat, no risers for seating and they don’t know about the seating being too far from the stage. I do know that the convention board is working on the stage situation, and that will be taken care of and as for the traffic, most of the shows and things shut down earlier than when the convention is over so that shouldn’t be an issue.” After thinking for a few second, he commented, “It’s gonna be a good thing for families with young people because there is so much to do in the daytime; so many places to see. It will be a positive change, I’m sure.” Matt stated, “I think all of us (quartet members) enjoyed the convention. We love seeing our fans and visiting with them and that’s the really best time for that. We get to see so many of our peers in the industry…all under one roof and to sing with all of them. We visit with our record com-
Be sure to call your local Southern Gospel radio station and ask them to play “Roll Back,” by the Dixie Melody Boys Quartet. Wouldn’t we love to see this be a number one song for our friends?
Rob Patz
Celebrates Two Decades in Gospel Music
By Lorraine Walker The year was 1993 and Gold City was heard all over the airways with ‘There Rose A Lamb’, winning the prestigious Singing News Award for Favorite Group. The GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year was awarded to Bill and Gloria Gaither for “Reunion – A Gospel Homecoming Celebration”, the second recording in a historic series that continues to this day. It was the last year of The Talleys, the trio that consisted of Debra and Roger and Kirk Talley. 1993 was a year of milestones, including the start of the syndicated Southern Styles Show with Rob Patz. The Southern Styles Show began its syndication run on three stations, quickly gaining ground as another 11 stations picked up the show in one month. In the beginning, the lively commentary and more progressive-style Southern line-up was not always understood by some markets. However, the Show quickly caught on, moving to 25 stations in the first three months. By the end of the first year, Southern Styles was playing on over 60 stations. Rob Patz, host of the Southern Styles Show, was a newcomer to Southern Gospel in 1993 and comments on his introduction to the music. “The first three stations
were a network of stations that I had worked at,” says Rob. “They had been airing a Southern Gospel program that had been on the air since 1984. The host retired and I was the next one in line to take it over. When the producers handed me the show and told me this was what I was going to play, I said I didn’t know anything about Southern Gospel. They handed me a stack of Singing News from the previous three years and said, “Go learn!” Within a few weeks Rob Patz had begun the Southern Styles Show and started his education in Southern Gospel. He began to host concerts in the area, meet the artists and learn about the history of the music. The first concerts hosted by Rob included artists such as Heaven Bound and the Hoppers. “Claude is a wonderful gentleman and this concert was the first of several concerts we had with the Hoppers. This was the first time I had met them and I was really impressed.” Rob is pleased that of the original stations that were the first to host the Southern Styles Show in the early months, six affiliates are still airing the syndicated program. “These are people that believed in me long before anyone else did or even before we believed in what we
were doing,” says Rob. “We were still just feeling our way along and these guys saw a vision of what we were hoping to be. That was amazing.
“That’s not to say I don’t love great traditional music by groups like the Cathedrals, Florida Boys and the Kingsmen,” Rob continues. “In the 90’s when I started, those groups were putting out great music. But I also liked artists such as Won By One, Buddy Mullin’s group Sunday Drive, and the Martins who were all fantastic, more progressive-sounding groups. I think some of that had to do with my age because I was a young guy at the time. Not that I’m old now, just not as young as I was then!” “It’s been an exciting time to watch new artists. We have a feature on the show we call ‘Breakout Artists’, people that our listeners may not have heard of, or are just getting to know. We’ve had several of those artists on the show over the last few years that have been really fantastic people. It’s exciting to watch their ministries grow and to sow into their ministries, by having them on the Show to talk about their music.”
The Southern Styles Show began to add other features to the weekly programming that became a hit with their audience. “After the first year we began to add an interview segment but this was not a regular part of the Show until about 2004 when Karen Winternheimer came on board,” says Rob. “Since that time, interviews have become a larger part of the show. But back then, we would do interviews to promote a presentation only if there was a big event or a major concert.” The Martins were the first radio interview that Rob did for the Southern Styles Show. The trio appeared on the Show following their 1995 Dove Award win for Southern Gospel Album and Song of the Year. The Show sponsored a “High Tea” celebration at the National Quartet Convention for several years and the Martins were their musical guests at the 1995 gathering. In the 20 years since the beginning of the program, Rob has noticed some changes in the music he has been playing. “Southern Gospel has become more progressive-sounding,” says Rob. “Whether that is good or bad, I don’t know. From the start, I was known as someone who played a lot of progressive music. So in a way, it seems as if the Industry has come to where I already was, because we were already playing that style of music.”
In 1993, Patz also began Coastal Media Group, which became the umbrella for several media arms, including The Southern Styles Show, SGM Radio website and more recently SGN Scoops digital magazine and Creekside Gospel Music Convention. SGM Radio website was brought online in 2004 to host a Gospel and Country internet radio station as well as a message board and a site for artist interviews, features and devotionals. As interest in the message board
of today’s most exciting online and fully-downloadable free Christian music magazines. The Diamond Awards has become one of the main events at the annual Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. “It’s been a great run,” says Rob. “I’m excited about what is ahead in the next 20 years, if the Lord is willing that we are still here.” The years of growth of his different media interests have been an educational time for Rob. “What I have learned the most is to continue to do what God wants you to do, whether anyone but you and God believe in it or not. That’s sometimes the case when you are doing radio or any form of media. There are times when you are the only person that believes in it, other than that you believe that God has sent you to do it. You have to believe in it and pray about it.”
wound down, the main site grew in hits and now sees approximately 500,000 hits per month. In 2009, Patz purchased SGN Scoops and The Diamond Awards from Allen Smith and turned Scoops into one
“I think that lately we have become more comfortable with what we are doing,” says Patz. “I look at this as what God has for me as my ministry. Like any person that has a career in any field, you get better the more you hone your craft and you take time to do the small things. I will never fully reach what I want to be because I’m a perfectionist. For me, it’s a continual striv-
for the print media happen at this time of year. Rob Patz is grateful for his staff that continues to bring their best gifts to all of the Coastal Media branches. He knows that this is not just a hobby for them. “When you are a Christian and you do anything, whether you are in a ministry per se or not, it is a ministry. It doesn’t matter whether you are a nurse or a teacher or whatever your job might be. I think that everywhere you are, and every form of work you can do, there is something that touches someone’s life. God just asks us to do what we do for Him.”
ing to get to the next level. I want to be the best interviewer possible and I have begun to study others who interview to find out why they do what they do. After 20 years, I think I am just starting to understand what I’m doing,” Rob laughs. “That’s pretty sad, but I’m a slow learner I guess!” Some of the major benchmarks for the Southern Styles Show have represented milestones personally for Rob. Highlights included having 50 stations on the syndication list within the first year and the airing of the 500th show. At reaching 15 years of syndication, Rob is thankful for what God has allowed him to do through the Show. He has had the opportunity to interview some gifted artists including Gordon Mote, who Rob says has a ‘great heart and a great sense of humor’. Josh Singletary is another favorite interviewee; an artist who often joins Rob on his “RobTV” video clips. Rob shares, “We have had many artists on the show that I respect and that are people that have made a great impact on the industry.” “RobTV” began at NQC 2008 and has now morphed into “Scoops TV”, with interviewers from the SGN Scoops writing staff. Scoops TV has hosted many of today’s top Gospel artists including the Booth Brothers, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Red Roots, The Hoppers, The Whisnants, Triumphant, Tribute, Karen Peck and New River, and many more. The National Quartet Convention has also become a very busy time for the SGM Radio and SGN Scoops staff as many interviews
“For me, at an early age, I felt a real calling to ministry. I didn’t know what it was at first and it didn’t become clear to me until I began to work in media. From that point on I knew this was what I was supposed to do and it really clicked for me. I’ve always tried to inject that feeling of ministry into the Show and everything I’ve been a part of through the years.”
Rob continues, “Every interview with our staff is a vehicle for artists to talk about whatever ministry they have. The radio show, website and magazine give listeners and readers a chance to not think about whatever their problems are; or even better, they can hear a song that answers their problems, because God is the Answer. The Lord often uses a song to minister to somebody.” Coastal Media regularly receives mail from listeners about how a story, interview or song has touched someone’s life. “I got a letter from a young lady from Oklahoma who told me that she was 14 years old, and she
and her mom spend the time listening together to the Southern Styles Show because they both love Southern Gospel. So that is an hour that they share together.” “We received a letter from a lady who lives in a retirement center, who is not able to live on her own anymore. She said she listened to the Show because she loved the fact that there was laughter on the show. She doesn’t hear much laughter in her life. So that proved to us that what we do is a ministry that touches people’s lives.” Rob sees this ministry expanding and is excited about what God may have in store for him. “There are a lot of things I would love to do and there is a great future for what we are doing. I would like to continue to be an active part of the future of Southern Gospel Music. Our biggest goal is to take Southern Gospel to other audiences. We are constantly working on ways to bring our product to new people. So that is exciting!” Personally, Rob is looking to the Lord for goals and future plans for his ministry. As he works toward the goal of being a great interviewer, he shares his thoughts of who would be his ‘dream’ interview. “I think it would be interesting to really talk to Mosie Lister. I’d love to talk to him about how he writes his songs. I’d love to talk to him about the history of Southern Gospel.” Outside of Christian music, Rob has had a goal for some years to talk to one specific person. “I have always wanted to have a sports show, and would love to talk to Roger Starbuck, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the ‘70’s. I lived in Minnesota and he threw a touchdown that kept the Vikings out of the Superbowl. He’s a great Christian man and I would like to ask him why he needed to break a little Minnesota boy’s heart. He did break my heart and it took several months for it to heal,” Rob laughs. “That would be the interview I’ve always wanted to do! After 20 years, Rob Patz is looking forward to a future filled with new opportunities and ways to expand his ministry. The opportunities for media outreaches that honor God and serve His people are endless. Patz hopes to be there for another twenty years as his endeavors grow together with Southern Gospel Music to reach countless people with the good news of the Gospel.
Happy Anniversary, Rob Patz! Rob has been a trusted friend for 20 years. Rob is a spiritual guy with a heart for the gospel first and foremost. I am very proud of Rob Patz...a man from Washington who has never bought me even ONE cup of coffee. – Dr. Jeff Steele, Pastor, Speaker, SGN Scoops Columnist and Member of The Steeles Rob Patz....someone who really does love gospel music, I appreciate his passion and joy, even in just talking about the music. – Ann Downing, Solo Artist It was a personal thrill to present the 2011 “Lou Hildreth Award” to Rob Patz, President, Coastal Media. This award is given annually at the Diamond Awards to acknowledge the contribution of a behind-the-scenes individual within the gospel music industry. It is not given to an artist, but to a person who deserves recognition for significant contribution to all facets of gospel music. Rob Patz is a gracious leader who works tirelessly and effectively to broaden the influence of the message of gospel music. – Lou Hildreth, Southern Gospel Industry Leader Rob Patz has been a dear friend for many years. I can remember before ever seeing him face to face we would talk on the phone for hours, talking about Gospel music. He has a love for our music like I do. Rob, I celebrate with you, your 20 years and hope we can celebrate the next 20 years! Congratulations my friend with love! – Kelly Nelon Clark, Member of The Nelons When I think of Rob and his ministry heart, I am reminded of this statement: Gifts and talents can take you to the top, but it is character that keeps you there. Thank you, Rob, for 20 years of faithfulness and being a man of integrity for Jesus Christ. I am so thankful to be a part of SCOOPS and have appreciated your kind and encouraging heart. Congrats on this ministry milestone. The best is yet to come. – Dixie Phillips, Songwriter, SGN Scoops Staff Writer
I have really come to appreciate Rob Patz’ commitment to providing not just great entertainment via sgnscoops.com online magazine, but also the honest and sincere information that he provides, which his readers have come to enjoy and expect. His dedication and commitment to detail only work to strengthen our industry of Southern Gospel Music. The stronger Southern Gospel Music is, then the more people are blessed, challenged and inspired by the word of God in song. Thanks for everything you do, Rob, and congratulations on your FIRST 20 years! God bless you my friend. – Bob Sellers, member of The Kingsmen I think that Rob has done a great job. I wish him as much success in 20 more if the Lord tarries. – Stephen Widener, Member of Faithful and SGM Radio Staff Writer Congrats Rob for 20 years in SGM! Yvonne and I appreciate your professionalism, your humor and your dedication to the Artists. However, we are blessed to partner with you in sharing Christ with the World. We’re honored to call you friend. -- Bryan and Yvonne Hutson, SGM Radio Writer, Bryan Hutson is a Member of Soul’d Out Being one of the newer members of the SGN Scoops staff, I haven’t had the pleasure of working with Rob as long as some others, but it has been a pleasure, nonetheless. Rob has a laid-back demeanor and his rapport with members of the Southern Gospel community have helped build SGN Scoops into what it has become. Most importantly, his goal of communicating what is going on with individuals in the Southern Gospel industry – with the ultimate goal of boosting a genre of music with a life-changing message – is why Rob Patz is so influential, well-respected and loved by so many. - Craig Harris, SGN Scoops Writer I want to congratulate my friend, Rob Patz, on twenty years in Gospel music. I greatly
admire Rob and his work in various music media platforms. Keep up the great work, Brother. Here’s to twenty more! – Channing Eleton, Solo Artist and Pianist I met Rob for the first time when my sister and I went to Chattanooga TN one summer... so I’ve known him for a few years and am glad he gave me the chance to be a part of SGN Scoops. He and his family are driven to share the love of God through gospel music, and I have been blessed to be a part of that vision in a small way. – Joan Walker, SGN Scoops Proofreader Congratulations Rob! Thanks for your dedication and commitment over the last 20 years! What you do allows all of us to reach more people than we could have ever imagined! -David Staton, Member of Glass Temple Over the past three years I have come to know Rob Patz as a man of character and integrity. He and I have a lot in common as we are both Pastor’s sons. He has a great love of Southern Gospel Music and a desire for the rest of the world to hear this beautiful music. His efforts to promote this music are shown through his work at SGN Scoops which is appreciated by all artists. I pray that his efforts at Creekside Convention are met with much success. I pray that God honors and furthers his desire to spread this wonderful music to the world. I am honored to call Rob Patz my friend. – Dennis Powers, Manager of The Skyline Boys It has been my honor to know Rob Patz! This industry would be a lot better if it had more men of Faith and Integrity like Rob! Truly a fine example of a true friend and Christian Man! – Ava Kasich, Solo Artist Ron Patz is enthusiastic for Southern Gospel Music. It’s always been a joy for me to talk with Rob, or Scoops, because he wants to keep the music I love alive! -- Jason Funderburk, Member of Driven It takes more than just the singers to get the
Gospel out in Gospel music. I am always grateful to the men and women who use their talents off the stage to further the Gospel. So a big thank you and congratulations to Rob for 20 years of service to our Lord in Gospel music. -- Michael Booth, Member of The Booth Brothers I love doing interviews with Rob! He always makes me feel comfortable, and brings up subjects that I don’t usually get to talk about in interviews. Congratulations on twenty years! I’m looking forward to the next twenty! -- Gerald Wolfe, Member of Greater Vision I am proud to all Rob my friend. I don’t believe anyone loves our music more than him and he has done a lot to grow our style of music. I think he id truly a leader in everything he does and I look forward to seeing how God uses him the next 20 years. – Jonathan Edwards, Member of Faith’s Journey I am the guy who nicknamed Rob “The Icon” because he was the first to roll out a digital online southern gospel magazine, “SGN Scoops Digital”. – Chris Hester, Solo Artist Rob Patz is a professional. When Lorraine Walker asked me some time back if I’d be interested in writing a monthly article----well, I hesitated. When I read or listen to Rob’s blogs or articles, it is very clear to me that I am most certainly not in the same category by a long shot. I find that I can learn so much from Rob. He sets the bar very high! – Philip Foster, SGM Radio Staff Writer Rob is the kind of person who would give you the shoes off of his feet if you had none, buy you a meal if you were hungry, and encourage you if you were downtrodden. He is a people person and he always knows just what to say to brighten your day. I appreciate his leadership, his passion for the Southern Gospel Music industry, and his heart for the Lord. Thank
you, Rob, for answering the call and stepping up to the plate as our fearless leader! – Jennifer Campbell, SGN Scoops Staff Writer Congratulations to my dear friend for serving Twenty Years in Gospel music! I wish I could say I’ve known him that long, but I can say in the short time that I have, he has become like family to me. I’m grateful he saw a little talent in me and was willing to share his knowledge and encouragement to help me develop it. I still think he is crazy for being risky enough to ask inexperienced me to work alongside him, but he is most gracious and patient as I learn. Rob loves the Lord, he loves this industry and this music. I love, appreciate and respect him more than I can explain and look forward to working with him for the next twenty years. – Rhonda Frye, Editor in Chief SGN Scoops “Rob has been a friend to Gospel Music & The Hoppers personally. Wishing you all the best!! Congratulations!” Mike Hopper, The Hoppers “I have known Rob for about 7 years now and he has become one of my favorite people. When you spend time on this side of the Southern Gospel industry you meet a lot of people and Rob is one of the best! I consider Rob to be a great friend! I hope he hangs out in Southern Gospel for another 20 years because it’s quality people like Rob Patz that gives Southern Gospel a good, positive and quality image. Thanks for everything Rob. We love you!” - Greg Inman, GospelGigs “Rob....congratulations on 20 years!!! My first big interview (as a gospel songwriter) was with you. If memory serves it was after my song “What Salvation’s Done for Me” (written with Dianne Wilkinson) was announced as the NQC “Song of the Year.” I hope that we will reconnect someday soon. May the Good Lord continue to bless you and your work.” -Rusty Golden / Songwriter
“I appreciate Rob being genuine! As long as I’ve known him, he’s never put on a front or tried to be someone he wasn’t. He’s a honest, Christian man. We need more folks like him in the industry! He’s top notch in my book!”Barry Shadrix, The Shadrix Trio “Rob is always someone we can count on to bring energy to an interview. He is very quick witted and knowledgeable about the field of Southern Gospel music, yet he has a unique way of asking us something we’ve never been asked before. Congratulations on 20 years, Rob! We look forward to the next 20!” -Rodney Griffin, Greater Vision “I am proud to call Rob my friend and wish him another 50 years of success in Southern Gospel Music”- Matthew Dudney “When I started out in Southern Gospel Music, Rob Patz was one of the first people in the radio industry to support my ministry. I will never forget that. They don’t come any better than Rob.” Christy Sutherland “Rob Patz is enthusiastic for Southern Gospel Music. It’s always been a joy for me to talk with Rob, or Scoops, because he wants to keep the music I love alive!” -- Jason Funderburk, Member of Driven “It takes more than just the singers to get the Gospel out in Gospel music. I am always grateful to the men and women who use their talents off the stage to further the Gospel. So a big thank you and congratulations to Rob for 20 years of service to our Lord in Gospel music.” -- Michael Booth, Member of The Booth Brothers “I love doing interviews with Rob! He always makes me feel comfortable, and brings up subjects that I don’t usually get to talk about in interviews. Congratulations on twenty years! I’m looking forward to the next twenty!” -- Gerald Wolfe, Member of Greater Vision
88 … and counting By Craig Harris
The Lesters have held on tight … and yet embraced change at the same time. They’ve held on to the tradition of the group, albeit with the biggest change in the 88-year history of the group. “I don’t know how to explain it,” the Lesters’ lead singer and manager Brian Lester said. “It’s been fantastic. It’s been like we’ve been together all our lives. He’s so much like us. It was that way from day one. It has meshed from day one.”
periods of time. “It was just different,” Jonathan Lester said of the change. “It was Ginger always being there my entire life. It was the norm. It’s literally like family (now) though. Justin’s family did a lot of the same things as us. He brings a different perspective to us, because he’s been planted in the church, whereas, we go from church to church. He brings different things we can hone in on as a ministry.”
The “he” that Brian Lester refers to is Justin Wells.The 31-year-old Kentucky native joined the group in late December, after Brian Lester’s sister and the group’s long-time alto singer – Ginger Pitchers – made the decision to leave the road. She departed to be with her husband Dan, who is pastoring First Baptist Church in Annapolis, Mo., which is approximately two hours from the Lesters’ home base in St. Louis.
Wells added, “I was raised very much like they were. I was raised 50 weekends a year on the road. My dad (Gene Wells) is a traveling evangelist. This is not that much abnormal. In a way, it’s like coming home.”
Dan Pitchers is the group’s former bass singer, and the Pitchers’ son Evan (drummer) and daughter Jenny (soprano) were both a part of the group for prolonged
With the addition of Wells, the Lesters have an all-male configuration for the first time. “Actually, back in 2003, I thought about it then,” Brian Lester said of the male trio. “It just wasn’t the right time. I was actually more interested in what’s it going to take for this ministry to continue on. In my case, I needed extra male assistance, with driving, with set-up, with load-in. All of these fac-
tors come into play. I used to have five or six people to work with. Now, there’s just three guys.”
Wells admittedly wasn’t overly familiar with the Lesters prior to trying out for the vacated position. He previously served as the lead singer for Freedom Voice, a trio based out of Columbus, Ohio, that performed approximately 125 personal appearances per year (including touring internationally). “The first time we met face to face, even there at (the National Quartet) Convention, there was such a chemistry,” Wells said. “It felt so natural. When I first interviewed with everybody and we sung together, it was like we had already sung together 100 years. It really made it easy. I wanted to make it a smooth transition for them and for my church. It’s been so far out of our hands. My natural tendency would be to be apprehensive. By nature, I’m a worrier. The Word says don’t worry. (God) has proven himself so many times over and over, in so many situations. I think I’m starting to get that through my thick head.” Wells was a minister of music in Science Hill, Ky., prior to joining the group in late December. “It has been challenging,” Wells – the group’s tenor singer – said. “I led worship for the last several years. I was not signing at my top end all of the time. I’ve had to stretch back out a little bit. We sing together, but it’s the camaraderie that’s special. We work together, but we go to Six Flags together.” Jonathan Lester said, “It was the easiest change ever. Justin and I are close in age. He and (his wife) Angie have only been married two years. Bailee and I have been married one year, so we have a lot of similarities.”
Wells’ expectations have been exceeded in what he’s experienced this year. “When you go into something like this, you expect the best,” Wells said. “You look for the best, and you hope for the best. There’s so much mutual respect for each of us. I have found that with these guys, music is done at an absolute top level, but it’s not just about the music. These guys are the real deal. These guys are godly men who are out here for a purpose. We’re all working toward a common goal, so how can it not go great for you.” Wells also had a significant influence on the Lesters’ latest project, Life In the Light. “He has brought some ideas,” Brian Lester said. “He has helped with some of the arrangements on the new stuff coming out. He’s a very talented pianist. Being a worship leader, he can handle whatever situation arises. That helps me, because I depended on Ginger so much for that. It’s almost like nothing has changed.”
Wells added, “I love both now. I love to lead worship. I love to lead a church and watch people grow in the Lord. I also love to stand on stage and watch a lyric hit somebody in the face, to see that it got through to them and to see it make a change in their life to lighten their load.” As has been the custom over the group’s recent projects, Ginger Pitchers and Tim Parton – the Lesters’ former pianist, who most recently toured with Legacy Five – produced Life In the Light. “They know us so well,” Brian Lester said. “They know what I can do, and they know what I can’t do. We’ve always looked for a song that’s going to reach us. If it reaches us, it’s going to reach the audience.” Jonathan Lester added, “It’s great having something of our own. We are singing songs (in concert) that past Lesters’ groups have done, but this is something we
have put sweat equity in. We are about to reap the benefits. It’s stuff that means something to us individually. It’s songs that we got together, and it’s 13 songs we think people need to hear.”
new toy.” Jonathan Lester added, “It’s his consistency … whether you’re sick, whether you’re having a bad day, whether there’s 2,000 people or two, his amount of effort never wavers.” Brian’s “kid” has taken on a greater role in the ministry recently. “Jon has taken a stronger part in it, and that’s what we have to have to grow,” Brian Lester said. However, the family ministry didn’t look to be the route that Jonathan Lester would take until an unfortunate turn of events led him into the Southern Gospel world. After performing with the group on a part-time basis throughout his college years, he joined the group on a full-time basis in 2007.
Wells wrote two of the songs, “So Many Nights” and “Fly.” Wells commented,“It’s a great honor that they would think my thoughts and my lyric were worthy of somebody hearing them.” Among the album’s highlights, according to the guys, are “Freedom’s Never Free,” “Favorite Song of All” and “Hold On Tight,” which is a re-cut from the group’s Hold On Tight album released in the late-1980s. “If you took a poll of my family, when I was 16-20 years old, they would have thought I would be the very last person doing this,” Jonathan Lester said. “I was doing so many other things. I enjoyed doing it, but it wasn’t my desire. I wanted to play sports. I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I got hurt playing soccer (a severe high ankle sprain while at playing Harris-Stowe State University in 2006, his junior season). In the matter of a second, my entire season was done. I had lost the desire. The desire that I had to play college sports became the desire to do this. I was born to do it. I was meant to do it. Every door opened and closed to bring me to this point.” The 61-year-old Brian Lester was a part that project. In fact, he has been performing with the group for 50 years, having taking over the emcee duties later on at age 18. However, despite the lengthy tenure, no apathy has crept in as his passion for ministry remains strong. “It’s one of those things I don’t quite understand, but I just love it,” Brian Lester said. “I’m like a kid with a
The once-reluctant Jonathan Lester is now firmlyentrenched. “I love it,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I would rather do this and not get paid. Most people hate their jobs. Ninety percent of Americans wish they were doing something else. I’m in the 10 percentile that wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Wells echoes those positive sentiments. “It’s really been great fun,” Wells said. “We have met some
wonderful people. We’ve met some great friends that I believe will be life-long friends. People have welcomed us overwhelmingly. Lesters’ fans are some of the most kind and generous people in the world. It couldn’t be better.” Even in the midst of some summertime adversity, the group discovered some new positives. In July, the group was traveling from St. Louis to a concert in Marshall, IN, when the bus broke down. Wells was following the bus in his car, and with Brian Lester needing to stay with the bus until repair personnel could arrive, Wells, Jonathan Lester and Bailee Lester traveled on to
tion that we can still land on our feet. There wasn’t any worry. There wasn’t any anxiety. You just do it.” Wells added, “He’s a leg. He’s Brian Lester for crying out loud. He’s the mouth (of the group). He’s the face, but whatever goes down, you have make it happen. That was not real alien, but let’s hope that’s a one-time thing.” It was an odd circumstance for Brian Lester as well.“It was really weird sitting in the driver’s seat and watching them pull off,” Brian Lester said. “It was a God thing. It really was. As it turns out, that’s probably one of the neatest things that could have happened. “When I saw what I saw last week, it made me excited to see that there’s still a future for (the ministry). In a reality world, I’m 61. I want to hang in there as long as possible, but I’m hearing more of passion that (Jonathan) has felt also. I’m sitting there on the stool night after night. It’s all of it, encouraging and humbling. I think it’s cool that a man that he had never even met (Jonathan’s great-grandfather Harvey Lester, who began the ministry in 1925) had an effect on him.”
that evening’s concert and performed once again as a mixed trio. “That’s the first he’s ever been gone,” Jonathan Lester said. “That’s the first time I’ve ever emceed. We had 13 songs. That showed us that regardless of the situa-
As for what the future holds for the Lesters, Jonathan Lester sums it up best: “The correct answer is it’s not up to me. God has been using this ministry for 88 years. There must be fruit bearing from it for it to continue.” For more information about the Lesters, visit http:// www.thelesters.com/.
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R efl e c t i ons with Sherry Anne What a Feeling...In That One Moment of Time
By Sherry Anne Lints Two of the songs that always inspired me growing up (besides “Eye of the Tiger”—oh yes, that one was tops!) were: “One Moment in Time” (as sung by Whitney Houston) and “What a Feeling” (as sung by Irene Cara). Of course, we can’t forget “Fame” by Ms. Cara either!!! These songs all spoke to my competitive nature and athletic drive as well as reflected my singing and dancing background. I grew up in New York State and have always been surrounded by the arts: dance, music, theater—I loved it all. Believe it or not, I always wanted to pursue a degree in Fine Arts despite the fact that I excelled in science and became a doctor! Oh well, better luck next time. Kidding. After all, I am a gospel singer, too, you know! I actually wanted to be many things growing up—including a lawyer and a hairstylist! Somehow, I think I have done all of these things in one way or the other-- just sit next to me on a plane and talk to me about the existence of God and you will see my lawyer side come out really quick! In fact, I once got an A+ on a Philosophy term paper proving the existence of God using logic. I could have been a good lawyer (hairstylist, too)… but… I’ve digressed. I guess you could say I am a motivated person. However, at the time, I was fueled by pride and establishing a name for myself. I wanted to be known. These songs would all “supercharge me” to “get there,” yet, these songs, albeit inspiring, contain lines that are flawed in the eyes of a believer. Lines like “when all of my dreams are a heartbeat away and the answers are all up to me,” or “I can catch the moon in my hands, don’t you know who I am,” and lastly, “I can have it all now… and (I can) make it happen.” When singing this (or shouting it as we are swirling and flying halfway across the floor in our neon leotards—ahem—I won’t name names), we must be careful not to give ourselves all the credit for the blessings
our Creator has lovingly bestowed upon us. Now don’t misunderstand: we must take the gifts that Christ has inspired in us-- our talents and passions-- and use them for His eternal purpose; that is, to spread the good news of the gospel, but we shouldn’t think that we totally control our destiny lest we boast in ourselves. This is not good; to be sure, the Bible has a few things to say about boasting (e.g. Jas 4:16, Ps 94:4, Eph 2:9)! Recently, I have been very blessed to see years of hard work pay off in both professional accomplishments and ministerial achievements; however, the only thing I really concern myself with now is being a good representative of Christ. Essentially, that is what we are saying we are when we call ourselves a “Christ”ian: that we are His ambassadors. As such, we must “buffet” ourselves as the Apostle Paul did (I Cor 9:27) and remember the words of Jeremiah 9:23-25: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. So even, if you do not remember my name as the lyrics from “Fame” commands you to, I am hoping and trusting that the song’s other lines: “I’m gonna make it to Heaven” and “I’m gonna live forever” ring loud in true in your heart because you are cherishing an “Old Rugged Cross” and “Clinging to a Saving Hand!” Photo Courtesy of Hamed Saber
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If you need an Emcee for a special concert or event, check with us about having Rob Patz or Rhonda Frye to host your next program! With more than 19 years experience in media,Rob is the owner of Coastal Media- parent company of SGMRadio and SGNScoops Magazine and the host of the Southern Styles Show. Although Rhonda is fairly new to the industry, she is no stranger to the stage. She is a singer/songwriter, an associate pastor and the editor in chief for SGNScoops Magazine. Email us at connect@sgnscoops.com today!
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Soaring with the Doves By Dixie Phillips
Gospel music fans of all ages love The Dove Brothers. Loyal listeners consider them to be one of the most exciting Gospel groups—ever! If you are one of the fortunate individuals to attend one of their concerts, your heartstrings will be strummed when they bellow a familiar old-time gospel tune, but don’t expect them to only sing the timeless classics they have been noted for throughout the years. They have grown and developed as artists and refuse to put God in a box. “Who are we to say what God can and cannot use?” McCray Dove, the lead singer, owner, and manager of the group, insists on marching to the beat of a heavenly drum, rather than the opinion of men. “We will sing what God calls us to sing.” McCray’s consecration to God’s Call on the group has made them one of the finest Gospel groups in the industry. Their top-tier performances include a fresh cutting-edge sound, uniquely their own, entertaining audiences of all ages.
But the entertainment side of what they do never overshadows their passion for ministry. In the late ‘80s, McCray, only 17, began touring with the Dixie Melody Boys. He was mentored by the best in the business. For 11 years he belted out the old standards with his exclusive flair and never wandered too far from his roots. In 1998, McCray sensed God leading him to form The Dove Brothers with his brother, Eric, singing baritone, bass singer Burman Porter, tenor John Rulapaugh and the talented pianist Richard Simmons. Homeland Records recognized their stellar talent and signed them immediately. Although the group has experienced many changes through the years, The Dove Brothers remain a class act. Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, is a huge fan of The Dove Brothers. “Our country needs more acts like The Doves.”
Fifteen years later, the accolades continue to roll in. They have been the recipients of numerous prestigious awards, keys to cities, and chart topping songs. The Dove Brothers are quick to give God the glory and honor for their success. They spy God all over their musical journey and know the Call they each are fulfilling is much larger than themselves. Their experience has strengthened their faith in the One who called them. The entire group insists on having their spiritual priorities in order and do their best to live by sound biblical principles. When the Dove Brothers sing, God shows up. Their four-part harmony, live band, positive lyrics,
and manifest presence of the Lord energizes audiences wherever they go. McCray believes in walking through every open door the Lord provides, “We work a lot of different venues and events—from churches, fairs, festivals, opry houses, and city auditoriums.” McCray continues, “I know some people may feel if they performed at some fancy building it is a memorable event. The Dove Brother don’t feel that way. Every time we perform, wherever we perform, is a memorable event! We perform just as hard before 10 people as we do in front of 10,000!”
2009 - Christian Voice Magazine - Group of the Year 2012 - Best Band of the Year 2013 - Nominated for Best Band of the Year
A quick glance at some of their awards are evidence of how much God has favored and blessed this dynamic group: Awards 1999 - Singing News - Horizon Group of the Year 1999 - Nominated for Song Of The Year - (“Get Away Jordan”) 2000 - Impact Award 2002 - Singing News - Group of the Year 2002 – Southern Gospel Music Association - Group of the Year 2003 - Members of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion 2003 - Key To The City - Woodville, Texas 2000 - 2005 - Nominated for Group of the Year 2005 - Nominated for Album of the Year - (Tribute To Mosie Lister) 2005 - Key to the City - Sulfur, Louisiana 2007 - #1 Song “I Can Pray” 2007 - #1 Song Of The Year “I Can Pray” 2007 - #1 Selling Sound Track “I Can Pray” (Surpassed “Beulah Land”) 2007 - #1 Selling Sound Track in the history of Springside Marketing 2007 - “I Can Pray” became the anthem song for the National Day Of Prayer 2007 - “I Can Pray” broke the record for most consecutive weeks on the Singing News Charts 2007 - #1 song “I’m Gonna Make” on the Singing News Charts. 2007 - #1 Song of the Year “I Can Pray” 2008 - Received the Ambassadors of Good Will Award from the state of North Carolina 2008 - Christian Voice Magazine - Group of the Year 2008 - Nominated for Pacesetter Group 2008 - Nominated for Song of the Year “I Can Pray” 2008 - Nominated for Best Live Performers 2008 - Nominated for Fan Favorite Artist of the Year 2008 - Nominated For Traditional Southern Song of the Year (“I Can Pray”)
Present members of The Dove Brothers are lead vocalist McCray Dove, baritone vocalist Eric Dove, tenor vocalist Jonathan Price, bass vocalist David Cable, Eric’s son, Devin, plays drums, Andy King is their pianist, Bub White is their lead guitarist, and Mike Salley plays the pedal steel and banjo player. Each member has dedicated themselves to hone their musical skills so they can entertain their audience, but also minister the message of every song they sing. Their hearts’ cry is to encourage the Body of Christ so lives can be changed forever. Fans will be thrilled to know The Dove Brothers have been working towards a new CD project, which should be available by the end of the year. They have three talented songwriters in the group: McCray, Bub, and Mike pen original material for the group. McCray is excited because a new song, “They Won’t Forgive Me,” he penned will be on the CD and released to radio. “This song speaks directly to the Christian. It talks about a child of God who has made a mistake, but the Church refuses to forgive. As Christians, we should be very loving and quick to forgive, not only the sinner on the street, but the preacher, Sunday school teacher, and even a gospel singer who has failed God.”
The Dove Brothers believe in “glowing in the dark.” They have dedicated their lives to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through Gospel music. They leave His “Light” on wherever they go as they take Gospel music in venues it has never been before. McCray says it best, “It’s really not about me or the group. When it comes to ministry, it doesn’t belong to us. It is God’s! But we have a ministry 24/7. God might use us when we walk into Walmart tomorrow. In other words we don’t have any room to boast about any blessings God has showered on our group. Our prayer is that the message of our songs will change someone’s life forever.” For more information about the Dove Brothers, visit: http://www.dovebrothersquartet.com/.
Music Reviews for October
There are apple cider candles and pumpkin spice candles burning throughout the house. The air is cool and crisp, with red, orange, brown and gold leaves floating down all over our lawn. It’s really difficult to prioritize daily chores and other projects when fall calls us to enjoy the outdoors! God’s handiwork is so amazing! As we move into these cooler months and all the holidays celebrated throughout these last months of the year, things begin to get more hectic and exciting. Let us know all remember to set aside time to worship and glorify God for His goodness! In the past few weeks, we have received a number of recordings to share with our readers. Thank you to every artist who submitted these and we will get to each on in future issues of SGNSCOOPS. Please bear with us; dates of receipt are recorded on each and we will include them ALL in our magazine. Again, thank you, and we look forward to working with you. Also, we are looking forward to the Christmas season, and have already received some new Christmas music. If you have a Holiday recording, please forward to us at SGNSCOOPS Reviews, Sandi Duncan Clark, 477 Sandalwood Drive, Easley, S.C. 29640, as soon as possible, so we can be sure to incluce it! Enjoy our comments on this new music and check them out for yourself. You will be blessed and encouraged as you enjoy the talent of the artists.
GLORIFY Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir Difference Music Producers: Michael Sykes, Bradley Knight The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir from Pastor Matthew Hagee’s and Senior Pastor John Hagee’s church in San Antonio, Texas is well known for inspiring singers, great performances, as well as the outstanding orchestra and band. This recording features twelve praise and worship and Gospel songs which quickly involve the listener, as we are caught up in the enthusiasm and worship of the choir. From the first song; ‘Got Me Some Joy,’ the excitement is contagious, and the jubilation gets better with each song. Jason Crabb wrote and is featured on the title song, ‘Glorify.’ What a wonderful testimony song… “I raise my hands and I lift my voice to glorify, to glorify your name… Letting others know I have made my choice to glorify, to glorify your name.” The recording introduces several excellent featured soloists who are members of this magnificent choir and are new to me. Tina Ketterling, a delightful singer, is featured on
‘Holy, Holy, God Almighty,’ written by another of our favorite soloists, Christy Sutherland. Great song and amazing performance. Lauren Garcia is featured on ‘Be Welcome Here,’ inviting God to be welcomed in our adoration and praise as we honor His name. Sandy Parker sings ‘The Love Of God For Me’ with the choir, while Scott Farhart sings ‘You Can Know Him’ and Vernadette Lamanna is featured on ‘Victory Is Mine.’ These are talented singers make the songs come alive with their talent, love and generous praise for the Lord. Amanda Crabb takes the microphone as featured soloist on a beautiful song, ‘Irresistible,’ and her sweet vocals allows one to feel her passion in the song. Senior Pastor John Hagee sings the grand old song, ‘My God Is Real’ with this choir. There is amazing music from the musicians on this song, and it is a great addition to recording. Pastor Matthew Hagee is featured on another favorite, ‘Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet,’ and Tanya Goodman Sykes completes list of featured singers, lending her powerful vocals to ‘Your Great Name.’ This recording is full of praise, worship, love and the Gospel; a commanding presentation from the Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir. It is available through Difference Media, as sound track, accompaniment track, choral book, CD and DVD at www.differencemedia.org.
Their first ever single to play on Gospel radio is titled ‘Shine On’ featuring Jathyn and showcasing the group’s close harmony and talent. It has wonderful music tracks and David Johnson plays some mighty fine mandolin on this one. Gospel radio has received this song quite well, and from all indications, we will be hearing from this young family group for a long time to come! These young people share a variety of music on THIS LIFE, with progressive southern, country, a contemporary arrangement or two, Southern Gospel and even some bluegrass. Each sibling enthusiastically shares their talent and is featured on one or more songs on the project. The theme of the recording deals with the frailty of life and how we, with Gods’ help, can deal with it. Some of my favorite songs on the recording are the title song, ‘This Life,’ featuring Jathyn on the verse and Breayn on the chorus. Another favorite, ‘Life Is Precious’ features Westyn, while ‘Consider The Lilies,’ written by Joel Hemphill, features Destiny on the first verse and Breayn on the second. You will want to have your own copy of THIS LIFE to experience the talent and witness of Johnson Edition. Contact them at www.johnsonedition.com, or by phone at 864-710-7979.
THIS LIFE Johnson Edition Skyland Records Producer: Danny Crawford, Jonathan Martin
FLATT LONESOME Self-Titled Pisgah Ridge Records Producer: Andrea Roberts
Breayn, Destiny, Jathyn and Westyn Johnson; Johnson Edition, are four young people who have grown up in a Christian Family who believed in serving God with gladness. They hail from West Union, South Carolina, and THIS LIFE is their first recording on the Skyland label with the folks at Crossroads Music. It’s refreshing to note a young group with an enthusiastic goal for their music and an excitement about serving the Lord with their music.
Flatt Lonesome is another young family group. The Robertsons sisters and brother played and sang bluegrass gospel music with their parents until a couple of years ago. Then sisters Kelsi Robertson Harrigill and Charli Robertson joined their brother, Buddy and formed Flatt Lonesome and have had two-plus years of excitement, performing on their own. The three sing the vocals and each sibling pulls double duty with Kelsi playing mandolin, Charli on
the fiddle and Buddy playing guitar. Rounding out the band are Paul Harrigill (Kelsi’s husband) on banjo, Michael Stockton on resophonic guitar and Dominic Illingwork on the acoustic bass. The family trio and band present eleven songs on this new recording; with group members Kelsi Robertson Harrigill responsible for writing two of the songs, and her husband Paul writing one. Music tracks are conventional bluegrass with some arrangements incorporating modern harmonies and strong vocals. Vocalists occasionally slide notes to create traditional bluegrass melodies. This is a very talented family group with great potential and good direction for their musical future. Flatt Lonesome has achieved recognition from several organizations in their short history. My favorite song is ‘Just Any Moment,’ one of Kelsi’s compositions. Brother Buddy is featured on this one and the sisters sing close, smooth harmony. Kelsi is featured on another of my favorites ‘On The Right Side,’ which speaks of being on the right side of Calvary. ‘I’d Miss You’ is another good song, and the band distinguishes itself on ‘You’ll Get No More Of Me;’ the old bluegrass favorites ‘Jackson’ and ‘Boondocks.’ If you’re a fan of solid bluegrass music, you will truly enjoy FLATT LONESOME. Contact them at www. flattlonesome.com for a copy of this latest recording.
morning. What a blessings and what a great way to do my chores and start the weekend! It surely made the work pass quickly! Reggie and Lady Love Smith set the pace for this experience with a song written by co-producer Woody Wright titled ‘I’ve Got Good News,’ and it just gets better from here! The artists featured on this recording reads like a choice list from one of Bill Gaither’s homecoming videos: Reggie and Lady Love, Woody and his wife, Vonnie Wright, Russ Taff, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Palmetto State Quartet, Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, Rachel West Kramer, Maria Kramer, Cornerstone, Jairo Arvizu, Willie Wynn and Larry Strickland. Various vocal combinations of these artists prove to be very enjoyable. Disc one has fifteen songs and two medleys. All are Gospel, patriotic or other songs with a positive message. Woody Wright wrote or co-wrote several of these, and he and his wife are featured on one of my favorites, titled ‘One.’ It speaks of the love of a husband and wife. Other songs are: ‘God Is Looking At My Heart,’ ‘They Call It Gospel Music,’ Jeff and Sheri Easter’s hit, ‘Life Is Good And Getting Better,’ ‘All Hail The Power’ by the Palmetto State, ‘Walkin In Jerusalem,’ ‘Can He, Could He, Would He,’ ‘Battle Hymn Of The Republic,’ ‘I Can See Clearly Now,’ ‘Here Comes Jesus’ from Russ Taff’s Faroe Islands project, ‘A Moment Of Grace,’ ‘The Anchor Holds’ with Cornerstone and a Classical Medley, ending with Woody’s ‘God Leads Medley.’ Disc two includes: ‘Twenty Four Hours A Day,’ ‘It’s All Right,’ ‘The Prayer,’ ‘He Came Through,’ ‘Over and Over,’ ‘Rise From The Ruins,’ ‘Heaven’ and ‘Pray, Pray, Pray.’ ‘Mama’s Teaching Angels To Sing’ and ‘Jesus Is Coming Soon,’ are both by Willie Wynn and Woody Wright. Buddy Greene continues the music, singing his and Mark Lowry’s ‘Mary, Did You Know.’ This CD is completed with ‘The Lord’s Prayer,’ ‘Every Knee Shall Bow,’ ‘Praise His Name,’ ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘Bethlehem, Galilee, Gethsemane’ and ‘Light Doesn’t Make A Sound.’
RISE UP, REJOICE! Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright LIVE Electric Stations Radio Producers: Woody Wright, D. Scott Kramer This treasure of Gospel music is a two CD set with a total of thirty three songs, recorded live at the Palace Theater in Louisville, Kentucky. This awesome recording has more than two hours of the Gospel and inspirational music, performed by some of our favorite artists with the audience response. I put the two discs in my CD player and proceeded to clean my house on an early Saturday
I’ve listed these songs to pique your interest in this treasure chest of music, hoping that you will contact Woody Wright for your personal copy at www. goodnewsmusicradio.com. You will be blessed and enjoy everything on the two-disc set, and you will play these over and over again.
GET READY The Harvesters Independent Producer: G.W. Southard This quartet’s name brings back so many fond memories from my childhood! One of my earliest memories of attending Gospel concerts is hearing The Harvesters in our hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. My Mom and Dad along with my Grandmother Cooper would take us kids to every Southern Gospel concert that came to Greenville, and The Harvesters was my Dad’s favorite quartet. Dad thought that Bill Hefner was the best “quartet man” and always made sure we had the best seats in the venue. This new recording has ten wonderful quartet songs, and my Dad would have loved it! There is nothing like male four part quartet music, and the Harvesters have a solid quartet sound. G.W. Southard, their pianist offers expert keyboard foundation for Phillip Hughes singing tenor, Danny Parker on lead and Allen Hunter singing baritone and Jim Collins on bass. G.W. also produced the recording with the group doing their own arranging. The first song on the ten-song project is ‘I’ll Live For Him’ and the quartet has an incredible display of talent on this song. I simply love ‘Mountain Of Grace’ written by our sweet friend, Diane Wilkinson, for the message in the song, and for the quartet’s performance. These gentlemen do an excellent job on ‘I Mean To Be There,’ ‘Sweet Heaven Awaits,’ ‘It’s My Desire and ‘Put Your Hand In The Hand.’ If you’re a fan of four part traditional male quartet music then this CD is for you. You may contact Danny Parker at 919-776-4055, or at the Harvester’s website; www.harvestersquartet.com.
sarah.........piano anna grace........fiddle kiley........guitar
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Flying solo By Craig Harris
there’s a passion for those people that is really even hard to put it into words how you actually feel. It’s so rooted into your heart and fiber. I wouldn’t be good at anything else.” Parker has been successful in each avenue of his journey through Southern Gospel music. He joined the Singing Americans in 1982, remaining with the North Carolina-based group for one year before embarking on what turned into an 11-year tenure with Gold City. While with Gold City, the male quartet won seven awards for favorite group, had 19 top-ten songs and won a Dove Award in 1993 for the Southern Gospel Song of the Year “There Rose a Lamb.” He has now performed as a solo artist for the last 20 years. “It was very odd,” Parker said. “We went from nine people on stage to one. The transition was very different. When you walk out on stage by yourself, something inside you makes it seem a lot easier and simpler, but when I went solo, I realized it’s probably the hardest work I’ve ever done. That’s when the rubber meets the road (when you’re on stage alone). It’s so normal now. It’s like in anything you do in life … you learn how to survive. You learn how to push forward even when there’s obstacles that says you can’t. You learn how to go around obstacles. You learn how to do your program to where it’s going to be a lot easier for you.”
Before he was a well-known fixture in Southern Gospel music, Ivan Parker was an advertising executive. “I enjoyed that, but nothing rings the bell like when you jump into your calling,” Parker said. After more than 30 years in the industry, Parker’s calling still brings him excitement. “I live this statement … an old gentleman told me a few years ago, he said, ‘Ivan, if you really enjoy what you’re doing, you never work a day in your life,’” Parker said. “There is a passion that I have for ministry, gospel music, and
Once launching his solo ministry, Parker began to carve out a new niche. He has often received favorite soloist awards, and in 2007, he became the first soloist to perform on the main stage at the National Quartet Convention. “I am a soloist,” Parker said. “I am one man in a quartet world. When I first went solo, soloists weren’t cool. You had to be a group in order to be accepted.With what God did in my life, He placed me in a very strategic place. What it proved was that we all have a message to sing. Regardless of what your style – whether it be a group, quartet or soloist – we all have a message. It’s about the message. It’s about Jesus. It’s not about us. We’re not the
stars. It’s about the Lord. It’s because of him that any of us are here doing what we do.” Parker makes approximately 175 appearances each year, and his on-stage dynamic has now changed somewhat as the youngest of his two sons – 25-year-old Josh – has been playing electric guitar with Ivan for the last 10 months. “That has been one of the most fun things that I have ever done,” Parker said. “All of my career, I’ve never
traveled with my family. It’s always been other people. Now that I have my son here, it’s a great piece of home away from home. He’s young, and he’s really doing a great job as far as winning the young people. I think our industry has gotten to the place to where a lot of the audience is getting older. We’re not seeing the young people take an interest. That’s part of my process of having him on board, to let the young people know that it’s cool to love Southern Gospel. He plays in a manner to where it should draw and attract the young people.” Parker admits that being away from family has been the most difficult aspect in his 30-year career “The hardest part in what I do even after all of these years is leaving,” Parker – who resides in Lebanon, TN – said. “That’s always the hardest part. Walking out the door and going to get on the bus seems like it can be a 10 or 12-hour trip (just getting) out there. You have to focus on why you do what you do. There has to be something spiritual and emotional that keeps you in that place. I have thought often times, if I ever want to see God in my life, look where I’ve come from and the
places he’s brought me through, and I’ll see the fingerprints of God in my life. I know every time I perform, there’s somebody that’s hurting, somebody who is searching who needs to hear the truth. That keeps me motivated. When you chance a life for eternity, that’s a pretty big deal.” It’s the audience that Parker is singing to that helps to make the journey enjoyable. “We get a lot of e-mails in every week,” Parker said. “In every concert, I’m a very hands-on artist. I take time with the people, wheth-
er it be during intermission or after the concert. I’m never in a hurry. The reason I do is because I humbly accept the position I’m in. I’m not on a call to do it. It’s because of those fans that I’m able to do what I do. It’s very important that if they spend their money to buy a ticket and take time out of their busy, crazy life to give me two hours for a concert, I think they deserve it.” Parker’s latest project is Timeless Treasurers, which includes songs such as “It Is No Secret,” “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” and “Sweeter As the Days Go By.” “I was sitting around and have recorded all of these years, and there’s a lot of songs I never got to,” Parker – who had a No. 1 song in 2008 with “I Choose” – said. “So I got some songs from when I grew up that I have loved for years.” In addition to all of his success as a member of Gold City and as a soloist, Parker has also been a fixture on the Gaither Homecoming Series. “I think I’m one of the most blessed singers in Gospel Music, because I have been able to not only be a part of one of the greatest quartets to ever walk on stage but to be with the Gaither
Homecoming Video family,” Parker said. “That whole deal will go down in history. That space in time of what we did will go down in history. It’s already historical to the point to that it was the longest-running tour in music history. It’s a great feeling to have been a part of the great caravan that stretched all the way from Gold City
to the homecoming years and intermingled in all of that to have the solo career sitting in the middle of that. For God to have blessed me personally with the ability and opportunity to communicate one on one, that’s been a blessing. That’s been huge.”
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Christian Country News: Mikayla Lynn–
“Two things in life I have always found joy in are singing and making people smile.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,“ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. I start this article with this verse for a reason. It is Mikayla Lynn’s favorite scripture verse. “Whenever I’m not sure what direction God wants me to go or if I’m just feeling down I read this. It’s like God is telling me, “It’s not over. I have great things in store for you.” I hold on to that, it keeps me going.” If only we had more people that relied on that simple verse, especially young people. I have two little girls, and in today’s society the female role models are not what I would like for my girls to follow. There are those few female artists that are modest, moral and they love God with all their heart. They are the female role models I don’t mind my girls looking up to. One of those God fearing role models is Mikayla Lynn. She is a good example of a beautiful girl that has a beautiful voice and keeps her mind focused on Christ. A small town country girl from Pennsylvania living on a farm, Mikayla always loved to sing. “When she was younger she would sing all the time but never in front of anyone,” her mom told me. “I knew she could sing, I knew she loved to sing we just had to figure out a way to let her know what a gift she had been given.” About that time her younger brother Isaac Cole, whom I did an article on in August, was just getting his start in singing.
Isaac was going to sing at their church and he needed someone to sing harmony. “Somehow my family talked me into singing harmony with him on stage at our church. I figured I would give it a try.” She did and people took notice. For the next few years she sang on her worship team at church. Her voice was one of the strongest. “When she sang on stage with the worship team she looked and sounded like an angel,” her mom told me. “My worship pastor, with the help of others, encouraged me to start singing solo.” After some prayer and guidance from my parents I figured why not.” Her first time singing in public was at a local hospital where her grandma was. They sang Christmas music to anyone in the hospital that listened. One of the people passing by who heard her sing was a pastor of a local church. “He booked my first official concert at his church.” Mikayla released her first CD, “One Wave at a Time” last year. The CD has songs for just about anyone. “When I picked out the music for this project I wanted songs that would relate to just about everyone,” Mikayla told me. With her music she is able to relate to all age groups, especially young girls. In her music she sings about having a good ole fashion romance then her next song will be When I Pray, a song that talks about how important and powerful prayer is. This year two of her songs made the charts on the Inspirational Country Radio. Get On Board went to #26 and Today’s Gonna be Beautiful is currently #57. It is safe
to say this girl is doing great things.
When she is not singing or hanging out with her friends at home she is in youth camp counseling girls from 6th to 8th grade. “I love helping other people. It was awesome that God could use me to help other girls. I love what God has taught me with this experience.” I asked her what was next for this country girl. “I don’t know. I do know that I am having a great time and I know that God has a plan for me. That is why Jeremiah 29:11 is such an important scripture verse to me. I also know that wherever He leads me I will follow.” Like I said this girl has a beautiful heart. For more information on Mikayla Lynn you can visit her website: www.mikaylalynnmusic.com.
Her concert schedule keeps her and her brother very busy, most of the time they share the stage together. “My concerts are not just in the churches. Just last month I had the opportunity to sing at the North Washington Rodeo. This year my brother and I had the cool opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Relay for Life.” Mikayla will sometimes start her concerts outside of the church with some of her more light hearted songs, and then she will start talking about Christ and how “a good shepherd always has more room for sheep in the pasture.” I had wanted to do this article last month but her uncle unexpectedly passed away. “We all loved Uncle Hoot. It was tough when we heard the news but the great thing is that before he passed away he accepted Christ as his savior. It is comforting to know that he is with God today,” Mikayla tells me. Since then she makes a point to talk about her uncle at her concert and she tells of his testimony.
“Only By The Blood” Dr. Jeff Steele
This is the third installment of studies about Mephibosheth. Here is a quick summary. King David wanted to find someone from the Household of Saul (and thereby from the House of his longtime friend Jonathan) to show kindness to. We learn that Mephibosheth (the one David was looking for) was lame in both feet having been injured in a fall as a child. We are all in that same shape. We have all been injured in a fall. We also learned that the King dispatched a party to look for him. Mephibosheth was SOUGHT by the King. We are as well ...what if the servants had said when they got there...”Mephibosheth the king wants you to come and live in the palace and eat from his table there in Jerusalem. Here’s the address...put it in the GPS and we’ll see you when you get there.” He would have said, “I can’t get there...I’m crippled. I can’t crawl to Jerusalem...I can’t swim across the Jordan River! Boys...I am a cripple and I have no strength to make the journey. I can’t get to Jerusalem by myself!” No and you and I can never make it to the New Jerusalem by ourselves either! If you say “I can live good enough...I can GIVE enough...I can DO enough to get to heaven” it would be as foolish as Mephibosheth saying “I will crawl all the way to Jerusalem!” Mephibosheth got to the king’s palace in Jerusalem by being carried! The king that made the invitation for him to come also made provision for him to get there! So the King that has made the invitation for us to be His child and someday go to heaven and be with Him forever has also provided the way for us to go. His son Jesus said in John 14:6...”I am the way, the truth and the life...(no Muslim, no Buddhist, no Catholic, no Presbyterian, no Methodist, no Pentecostal, no Baptist...)NO man comes to the father unless he comes by ME!” It’s really not confusing at all is it?
If you say “I’m trusting Jesus AND my baptism...I’m trusting Jesus AND my church membership...I’m trusting Jesus AND my good works” you’ll never make it! You’ll never make it because Jesus paid it all...ALL to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; HE washed it white as snow!! The other old song says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.” Mephibosheth was crippled by a fall. He was sought by the king and he was carried to the palace in the manner the king who invited him, provided for him. If we who have been invited by the King of Kings are going to take advantage of the invitation we must go in the ONLY manner that has been provided and that is through the blood of Christ, shed on the cross of Calvary for there is no other way in which we can come. We are spiritual cripples and we must admit that and go by what Jesus has done. Photo Courtesy of Melissa Wiese
The 11th Hour
By Dixie Phillips
Gordon Mote is very excited about the gospel group— th 11 Hour. He believes their unique sound and dynamic blend make them the group to watch. “In my opinion, 11th Hour is one of the best young groups the industry has seen in a very long time. Their energy is contagious and their talent is undeniable. God certainly has His hand on those kids.” Others in the Gospel Music Industry are recognizing their talent and potential, as well. 11th Hour received great exposure when they had their very first time performance on the Main Stage at NQC this year. Amber Eppinette founded 11th Hour almost seven years ago. Those who know Amber are always deeply touched by her servant’s heart. When asked where her ministry bent came from, Amber said, “I’m a pastor’s kid. My father is still a pastor. He has pastored his present congregation, Harmony Baptist Church in Bastrop, Louisiana, for 23 years.” Amber learned to sing at an early age at her home church. Her family managed Pure Heart, a southern gospel group, which consisted of her mother, father, Uncle Heath, Aunt Fran, Granny Lola, and a live band. Amber insists, “It was such an amazing experience. Nothing like sharing the stage with your family.” Amber started singing and traveling fulltime at the tender age of nine. “I sang with them until I was 14. Then I began my solo career in Contemporary Christian Music, but my heart was drawn back to my southern gospel roots.” At 16, Amber attended a revival service. During the
meeting, she sensed God calling her to start 11th Hour with her best friend, Candice Jordan. (Candice recently resigned from the group to join her husband in youth ministry.) Even though the group has gone through a few changes in the past couple years, Amber clings to the One who never changes and believes the best is yet to come for 11th Hour. “God has brought us so far and I look forward to what else he has in store for us. It’s an honor and a thrill to be able to travel and tell people why and how much we love Jesus. We have seen many souls saved and many hearts encouraged, including our own. We are humbled and honored to be used by our Savior. He is worthy of our praise.” A wise minister once said, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape.” Managing a music ministry can be an arduous task. Life has a way of bringing many changes, but Amber has learned the art of letting go and letting God form the group He desires through every season of the group’s existence. Amber was thrilled when the Lord sent Grant Gibson from Jasper, Alabama, to join the group nine months ago. Grant is only 27 and a 2011 Liberty University graduate. He started singing in his home church when he was 13. Grant shared, “I attended a Gold City concert in ‘99 and from then on, I’ve a deep love for southern gospel music. Fans love Grant and often comment about his big heart for ministry and missions. Amber is the first to affirm him. “Grant is the real deal—talent-wise and in his Christian walk. He’s been very active in missions’ trips with his home church, Gardendale First Baptist in Gardendale, Alabama.
concerts. Amber takes the Call of God on their lives and ministry very seriously. “We realize we are all carrying a very precious Gospel that has the power to change lives and cause broken hearts to beat again. The group does their best to never take it for granted and share the love of Jesus whether we’re on a stage or at a restaurant.” The group’s latest project, Steppin’ Out, contains two original songs written by Amber. She hones her song-
Ethan Allen plays the bass guitar for 11th Hour. He’s originally from Monticello, Arkansas, and is only 23. Just like Amber and Grant, Ethan comes from a musical family. He started playing bass guitar when he was only 11 and has faithfully played for many worship teams and special musical events at his home church, Oak Grove Assembly of God. Amber is grateful for the ones God handpicks to be a part of 11th Hour. “I can’t believe Ethan has been with the group for three years already. He is such a team player and mega-talented. Not only does he play bass, but he plays the guitar and drums, too. Ethan is also a gifted singer. He’s just a man of many talents.” Amber is quick to point out that as impressed as she is with Ethan’s talents,
writing skills every chance she gets and was thrilled to co-write with Dianne Wilkinson and Joseph Habedank. “They are my favorite writers in Southern Gospel. I may be a little partial to them because I just love their style and heart.” Amber shares how the songs and name of their latest project could not have been more accurate at the point and time in 11th Hour’s lives. “We had just signed with Crossroads Music and firmly believed now was the time to “step out” for Jesus. The theme fit right into what God was teaching us. Not only do the songs minister to the people we sing them to, but they touch our hearts too.” Fans will be happy to know 11th Hour plans to be in the studio by November to record a new project. The group is praying about the songs they are to record and the theme of their new project. Each member of the group admits to being influenced by various strains of Southern Gospel. They love all styles from traditional quartet to progressive southern. When you hear 11th Hour, you can’t miss the influence of The Crabb Family and the earlier years of The Martins.
she is more impressed with his heart. “He has such a brother (protector) heart for the group. We are thrilled for him to be a part of our group.” 11th Hour is a group united in their mission. They agree their ultimate goal is to see souls saved, encourage hearts, and sing songs that usher in the presence of God in their
The group is determined to not let all the attention they are receiving to change who they are. They work hard at staying balanced. When they aren’t making music, you can find them spending quality time with their families. Pastors love 11th Hour because they stress the importance of the local church. Ethan is heavily involved with
helping on the Praise and Worship Team at his church. He also enjoys helping in Outreach Meetings. Grant helps with Sunday school, missions, and the Praise and Worship Team at his church. Amber is the Praise Leader and helps at summer youth camps. A gospel group will not last long without a great sense of humor. 11th Hour has learned the art of laughing at themselves. A couple of their most memorable performances for them were when Amber’s piano fell down on her toes right in the middle of her song and another time Ethan dropped his bass in the middle of the song. Somehow they stifled their laughter and finished their concert. When each group member was asked, “What is God presently teaching you?” Amber quickly replied, “Who I really am in Christ and what my life purpose truly is.” Grant replied, “Patience and to trust in God’s timing.” Ethan added, “Patience. God is teaching me patience!” To find out if 11th Hour is ministering near you, check out their schedule at www.11thhourgospelgroup.com. You’ll be glad you did.
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Raising Fit Kids Part One By Laurette Willis, CHC
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
burger at a fast food restaurant—it just wasn’t a popular thing to do in my family growing up.
One doesn’t need to go far to find trends and statistics about our children’s health which are quite alarming – but as always, we know the Lord has an answer for us.
SIX Snacks a Day?!!!
Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If we don’t solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later could suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma and cancer. Sadly, it’s estimated that 8 out of 10 children who are overweight at age 10-15 will be obese as adults. How Did We Get Here? Thirty years ago, most people led lives that kept them at a healthy weight. Many kids, like those I grew up with, walked to and from school every day. We walked to school, ran around at recess, had gym class, and played for hours after school before dinner. Meals were home-cooked with reasonable portion sizes and there was always a vegetable on the plate. Eating fast food was rare and snacking between meals was an occasional treat. I remember I was teenager before I went for a ham-
Today, children experience a very different lifestyle. Walks to and from school have been replaced by car and bus rides. Gym class and after-school sports have been cut; afternoons are now spent with TV, video games, and the internet. Parents are busier than ever and families eat fewer home-cooked meals. Snacking between meals is now commonplace. Thirty years ago, kids ate just one snack a day, whereas now they are trending toward three snacks, resulting in an additional 200 calories a day. And one in five school-age children has up to six snacks a day, and you know they’re more likely going to be potato chips and soda pop, rather than an apple and a bottle of water! Portion sizes have also exploded. Portions are now two to five times bigger than they were in years past. Beverage portions have grown as well. Recently a study was done on sugary drinks. At age five, children who downed at least one sugary drink per day were 43% more likely to be obese than those who rarely had sweetened drinks – that’s just one sugary drink a day. In total, we are now eating over 30 percent more calories than we were forty years ago. Outliving our Children?
The average American now eats 1/3 lb. of sugar a day – that’s fifteen more pounds of sugar a year than in 1970. Eight to 18-year old young people spend an average of 7 ½ hours a day using entertainment media, including, TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity. If the rise in current rates of overweight and obesity continue, as most experts believe they will, future adults may have shorter life-spans than the current generation. Now that’s the bad news. The good news is that by making just a few lifestyle changes, we can help our children lead healthier lives–and we already have the tools we need to do it. We just need the will to do it—and the wisdom of the Lord to help us. Tips To Help Overweight Children Lose Weight and Help All Children Stay Healthy – and *hint-hint* it will help you to become healthier and more fit, too! Tip #1: As the Adult – YOU Are the Example If you are overweight yourself, realize your children will follow your example (even if you don’t want them to) – so make it a family decision that you’re all going to become healthier and fit – that you want to be good stewards of the body the Lord’s given you. Just as we train them to be spiritually fit, let’s help our children be physically fit, too. Teach by example: Eat breakfast every day. Don’t let your child learn the habit of skipping meals, which leads to overeating later in the day. Don’t promise dessert if your child eats their vegetables. Using dessert as a reward for eating vegetables causes kids to favor the food you’re placing more value on – the dessert. And instead of filling their plate, give your child small servings and encourage them to ask for more if they’re still hungry. This helps children recognize their natural hunger cues. Engage in activities as a family: Put away the video games and television, and take a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or other activity instead – and when they are old, they will not depart from it! Next month, we’ll share 4 more tips you can do to help you and your children live long and strong – and be “Fit Witnesses for Christ”!
Pick up my free guide to help you start making simple choices today which can have a profound effect on your health and waistline! Grab “5 Simple Steps to Looking & Feeling Fabulous” at www.5StepsGuide.com . Christian Fitness Expert and Certified Health Coach Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry with DVDs, Training, and Classes by Certified PraiseMoves Instructors on six continents (http://PraiseMoves.com). Get your free “5 Simple Steps to Looking and Feeling Fabulous” at http://5StepsGuide.com . ©2013
Photo Courtesy of Chicago’s North Shore Conventions & Visitors Burea
YOUNGErPERSPECTIVE Amber Thompson
BY ERIN STEVENS What a joy it is to watch this great industry’s groups evolve over the years. What I mean by that is, watching sons and daughters find their place on stage next to their families. There is a burning passion in many of their hearts to carry out the Word of the Gospel through song, just as the family members before them have done, forging the way in a dark world, shining the light of Jesus to all that will hear. Such is the case with one of the finest groups the Southern Gospel family is honored to call ours-The Nelons! I was thrilled for the opportunity this month to interview 24 year old Amber Thompson, who claims her title as The Nelons soprano. Sit back and catch a glimpse into this beautiful girl’s heart. Erin: How many years have you been full-time with The Nelons? Amber: I started in 2003 when I was 13 years old. Can’t believe it’s already been 10 years! Erin: At what point did you feel called into music ministry? Amber: Since I can remember, God had always placed a calling in my heart to sing. He surrounded me with a musical family, and even if I would’ve gone deaf, I would have been involved somehow! Erin: How far are you from finishing your degree in counseling? Amber: I’m actually finished! Hallelujah! Although,
technically I don’t graduate until May of 2014. Erin: Who have been your biggest inspirations in life? Amber: That’s tough - there are so many, but I would have to say my grandfather, the late Rex Nelon would be Number One on my list. He was a perfect example of a godly, Christian man. His reputation was spotless, and he always handled everything the right way. Another two would be Bill & Gloria Gaither. Because of them placing me on
Ithe Homecoming Kids videos, I suddenly became
a part of this business! They taught me much, and I enjoy learning from them, even today. Coming full circle, it’s amazing to stand on stage with them in ministry. Erin: Describe what it was like to tape a live album at Dr. David Jeremiah’s church? Amber: Dr. Jeremiah has been one of my favorite preachers, as his messages always seem to grip the listener’s heart. Singing at his church was something I had dreamt of doing. I had watched online services many times, and from merely watching, you knew that church was being blessed by God! I felt honored to actually be there when we filmed our DVD, and that God would even allow us to sing in places like that. The Lord has truly blessed my family and we are so thankful. Erin: What is your life-verse? Amber: John 3:30 - “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Erin: In your singing career thus far, is there a particular concert that has held great meaning to you personally? Why? Amber: There have been many great concerts that hold memories, but the one that I’ll never forget would be my first one. We were at The Great Western Quartet Convention in California and it was my first time singing soprano. I was a nervous wreck (although I never told my parents I was)! As we walked on stage, my legs were shaking so badly you could see it on the screen. If that wasn’t bad enough, I broke out in hives on my back because I was that nervous. You gotta understand, there were 7,000 people sitting there, and all my peers were in the artist circle, waiting to hear what this was going to sound like. It was scary for a 13 year old with big shoes to fill, but I made it through, and I didn’t pass out - thank the Lord for that! Erin: What are three words that best describe you? Amber: Impatient, Happy & Thankful Erin: Being a young woman in ministry, what are some struggles you have faced living life on the road?
Amber: I would say being a “normal” person has been my biggest hurdle. We don’t have weekends off like most people, instead, that’s our time to work. While my friends got together, I usually had to miss outings because of being on the road. Thankfully, we were music ministers at our church while I was in high school. We came off the road, and were able to be home for a few years. That allowed me to be a regular teenager, and do all the things I couldn’t usually be a part of-such as, being involved with my youth group regularly, playing sports, and going to high school instead of being home-schooled. Erin: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Amber: Exactly where I am right now; hopefully with a family of my own by then. Erin: Any finals words of encouragement you would like to leave the readers with? Amber: If you don’t know Christ, I promise it will be the best decision you will ever make. Life is tough, and we all go through trials and difficulties that we don’t understand. If you look for hope in the world, you won’t find it. The truth is, without Christ, you have no hope, but with Christ, you gain the promise of hope in eternal life with Him someday. Heaven holds more for me these days... I can’t wait to get there! No better way to wrap up an interview than with the Gospel plainly and simply laid out. I look forward to seeing the countless ways the Lord will continue to use Miss Thompson, who soon will embrace a new title as the lovely, Mrs. John Risk. From all of us at SGN Scoops, and from the loyal fans, we pray God’s richest blessings upon you, Amber, as you embark on this new avenue of life. Congratulations! For more information visit: http:// kellynelon.com/home.cfm. And that’s my take on it.
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End of an EraLouisville’s National Quartet Convention 2013 By Joshua Heston
LOUISVILLE, KY — The National Quartet Convention, known simply as “NQC,” is the iconic event of the year for Southern Gospel music. For the last 20 years, Southern Gospel artists from across the United States (and around the world) have converged upon Louisville’s sprawling Kentucky Fair and Expo Center right on Interstate 65. It has all been happening right here every year since 1994, when the industry outgrew comparable facilities in Nashville. Lavish buses for gospel greats like The Kingdom Heirs, The Kingsmen, The Hoppers and The McKameys line the back parking lots while the East Wing’s exhibition hall — all 175,000 square feet of it — fill with groups’ booths. It is an exuberant time for Southern Gospel music. Beginning back in the ’90s, the television work of Bill Gaither made artists like Mark Lowry, Guy Penrod, David Phelps and Russ Taff into household names for much of America. This is the last year for Louisville, as the National Quartet Convention is moving to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 2014. It is 20 years of a rich history, momentous occasions in an industry held aloft by grassroots fans throughout the Midwest and the South. There have been many memories made here over the years.
These cavernous, impersonal convention spaces become — for one week each year — home to an itinerant family of fans, artists, children of artists, ministers, and support staff. Careers have been born, lifelong friends made. It has been a place of tears and pain as well. Many artists and friends have passed on in the last 20 years and for many, it can be a bittersweet time. Thousands remember learning of the 9-11 terrorist attacks while gathered here. Back in 2001, the Quartet Convention was one of the few national gatherings that did not close that tragic day. I arrived late on Monday night after driving through the extraordinary mountain country of the eastern Missouri Ozarks, the delta land of Cairo, Illinois, and the old hills of western Kentucky. After eight hours on the road, the Expo Center was an unknown, intimidating blaze of lights and activity in the hot, late summer night. Flight after noisy flight of wide-body FEDEx and UPS jets roared overhead. A hazy yellow crescent moon looked down. Back portions of the sprawling facility are ringed by horse barns — Churchill Downs is just next door, after all — making the forest of fancy exhibitions smell
faintly of farmyard. Skywalks and multi-level escalators grace the entrances while Freedom Hall, the 19,000seat arena usually reserved for basketball games, indoor rodeos and massive rock concerts, was host to a fivehour concert with the Lesters, the Sneed Family, Triumphant Quartet, Ivan Parker, the Collingworth Family and many more.
It is also an insanely busy place with Regional Showcases beginning at 11:30 each morning, Featured Artist Showcases beginning at noon, the opening of the exhibition hall at 4PM, and Freedom Hall’s arena opening up for a five-hour concert of the best of Southern Gospel each evening at 5:30. Personal highlights are many. Just a few include... - the unpretentious, unbridled power of The Isaacs singing Walk Together Children and I Wanna Be There - getting to meet Christy Sutherland at the Absolutely Gospel Media Event
For a country boy just in from Missouri, I felt a bit out of place. However, it was not long before I met up, first with my Dad, then Sharona Carter (of North Carolina’s Jay Stone Singers) and Stone Carter (of The Jay Stone Singers and Parachute Parade), and the towering spaces began to feel a bit more like home. Southern Gospel is grassroots Americana at its best and many of the industry’s greatest artists are surprisingly downhome. These are stars often chosen by regular Americans scattered across rural states and in local churches — not necessarily chosen by music executives in Nashville or LA. And behind the phenomenal stage clothes, the make-up, and the lighting, these are artists who can many times exhibit humility, appreciation, and Southern hospitality unexpected from “stars.” In short, it is a friendly place.
- visiting with Bev McCann and getting deep chocolate / coconut bon bons and Buffalo, New York-made Italian donuts - watching Missouri’s bluegrass-gospel group Southern Raised “tear up” their regional showcase with excellence and ease - eating Sharona Carter’s crockpot chicken casserole on The Jay Stone Singers’ exceedingly comfortable green Prevost bus - discovering — along with Bobby Carter and Rich Crist — the glory that is a deep-fried Kentucky biscuit, rolled in cinnamon and sugar, and topped with cream cheese frosting - getting to shake Jason Crabb’s hand in the local Cracker Barrel - sharing memories about my Mom with the lovely Missy Kinchen of Chronicle - listening to Revelation (from Northern Ireland) sing
Be Thou My Vision - just sitting and visiting with Randall Hamm (WFLQ Radio 100.1FM) and Jim and Shirley Profitt (The Profitts)
Can you tell I’m becoming a fan of Southern Gospel music? So, how does all this week-long Southern Gospel craziness work? It’s actually comparatively simple: Every exhibitors may sing one song on the Regional Showcase Stage. This show lasts every day from 11:30AM until 3PM and averages 20-25 groups a day. Well-attended, a panel of judges choose four winners from each day. Of those four winners, two artists will perform on the main stage — in massive Freedom Hall — each evening. The Regional Showcases culminate with a 20-top-groups session on Saturday — and two final winners. This year it is The Wilhites (Texas) and The Stephens (Alabama). Missouri’s own Southern Raised, The Punches and The Goulds all won a place in the regional top 20 thus representing the Ozarks mighty well.
Featured artist showcases take place each day as well. These showcase artists perform by-invitation-only and include great groups like the Ascension Quartet (Missouri), The Jay Stone Singers (North Carolina), Revelation (of Northern Ireland), and The Tacketts (Ohio).
Additionally, there is a Bluegrass Pickin’ Jamboree produced by Ben Isaacs, Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Sing-a-Long, the NQC Music Awards (with many congratulations to Silver Dollar City, Dollywood and our own D.A. Callaway for winning the Les Beasley Impact Award), a conference with Dr. David Jeremiah, and a “Parade of Pianos” hosted by Gerald Wolfe and Gordon Mote. Every night, the big concerts begin at 5:30 (and last until after 11). These high-powered events include The Hoppers, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Gold City, Dixie Echoes, the Collingsworth Family, The Perrys, The Isaacs, the Mark Trammell Quartet and Mark Lowery, among many, many others. This year was also a time for breakout artists like bass singer — and youngster — Chandler Johnson as well as the central-Kentucky based Penny Loafers, an a capella group made up of Alan Pike (bass), Larry Nichols
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(baritone), Kevin Slemp (2nd tenor) and Michael Hunt (1st tenor).
Ever Praise
Modern-day Southern Gospel has a unique sense of glitzy, yet homegrown style — part high-powered Music City, part-rural Appalachia. As you listen to the voices in the Exhibition Hall, the drawling lilt of Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas predominate. And looking around, it is a unique juxtaposition — scenes of men in matching, three-piece suits walking through horse stables; of children (kids of high-ranking artists) playing amidst the cavernous halls; of long lines of million-dollar buses idling diesel fumes in the back lot; and vast throngs of Southern Gospel fans descending, en masse, upon the Freedom Hall arena.
b
Twenty years of Gospel music history right here. You can never stop the music. It is a message of compassion, hope and joy, a message that can resonate in this century as well as it has in the last: a message that says worship can be joyful, loud, and fun. But this is the end of a Louisville, Kentucky-era. I’m glad I didn’t miss it.
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Contributors SGN SCOOPS
Rob Patz is the President and CEO of Coastal Media Group. Rob has an 18 year history in radio hosting the nationally syndicated radio show, “The Southern Styles Show” since its beginning in 1993. Rob is also the owner of the internet’s #1 Southern Gospel station, SGMRadio.com. In 2009, Rob Patz acquired SGNScoops.com, including the all- digital Scoops Magazine and the Diamond Awards. Rob has taken part in several Christian television projects working in front of the camera and also has helped create several syndicated television programs as well. Rob does voice work for various outlets including fortune 500 companies as well as emceeing concerts and special events. Email Rob at rob@ sgnscoops.com. Rhonda Frye is an ordained minister serving as the Associate and Worship Pastor at Rock Pointe Church in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. She is a recording artist, songwriter, preschool music teacher and sings with family trio, “Rhonda Frye & RiverSide.” Rhonda is from Ringgold, GA and is supported by her husband and their 3 children. To learn more about Rhonda Frye Music Ministries, visit: http://rhondafrye.com Lou Wills Hildreth appears on the Gaither Homecoming Videos, and is a founding member of Texas First Family Of Gospel Music, the “Singing Wills Family.” She helped pioneer Christian television as host of “Wills Family Inspirational TV.” After moving to Nashville in the sixties, she was the first woman to own an artist management agency. Lou is an inductee of the Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, SGMA Hall Of Fame at Dollywood, and the Christian Music Hall Of Fame. She is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Of Sacred Music from Louisiana Baptist University. Recently, Gaither Homecoming Magazine named Lou in the “Hall Of Honor” series, and the Southern Gospel Music Guild gave her a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Lou is celebrating a 65th wedding anniversary in 2011 with Howard, and they live in Houston near son Dr. David Hildreth and daughter Kathryn Mumaw, and 4 grandchildren. Visit Lou at: http://louhildreth.com
Sandi Duncan Clark and Cliff Clark make their home in Easley, S.C. where they enjoy traveling, gardening, and the beautiful South Carolina weather. Sandi has worked in journalism for more than thirty years, and she is thankful that her love for God and Gospel music provides a great opportunity to positively impact the careers of so many in Gospel music. Email Sandi at sandi@sgnscoops.com. Through a series of events, Jeff Hawes has moved from the classroom where he taught high school English in Jackson county, Alabama to the tour bus of gospel great Karen Peck & New River. Jeff chronicles the fulfillment of his gospel music dreams and his road life exclusively for SGN Scoops. Learn more about him at http://www. karenpeckandnewriver.com Christian Health & Fitness Expert Laurette Willis is an author with Harvest House Publishers, and the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry with DVDs, a training program and PraiseMoves Instructors on four continents (http://PraiseMoves.com , on Facebook http://on.fb.me/ PraiseMoves. Laurette invites readers to get started on the road to better health and fitness for spirit, soul and body. For a free, easy- to- follow 21 day program visit: http://ChristianFitnessKit.com Stephanie Kelley is a public speaker and owner of Queen-O-Q, a blog featuring coupon match-ups, freebies, samples and information on frugal living. She is married, has three children and lives in Washington State. Queenoq.blogspot.com
Contributors SGN SCOOPS
Jennifer Campbell is a singer, songwriter, musician, and middle school English teacher from McAlpin, Florida. Along with her passion for teaching, she has an even greater passion for ministering to others, spreading the message that there is joy around the bend. She serves as a group leader for Women of Faith, designs websites, and writes an inspirational blog at http://jenniferjoycampbell.blogspot.com Learn more about Jennifer at http://jennifercampbell.net Canadian-born Lorraine Walker has a love for Jesus Christ, music and writing. The combination of these passions has produced artist features and monthly columns for Southern Gospel publications including SGM Radio website and SGN Scoops Digital magazine. Lorraine desires that the power of the written word will glorify her Lord and bring readers closer to the love, peace and majesty of the Almighty. Email Lorraine at lorraine@ sgnscoops.com Angela Griffin is an International Field Representative for Love A Child, Inc., a 501 c 3 humanitarian organization to the island of Haiti. A rich Christian family heritage guided her path to minister in song to the broken, to feed the hungry, and lead others to Christ. On December 31, 2002 she married Tim Griffin, an accomplished Southern Gospel pianist. Tim and Angela then combined their musical talents and formed the group “The Griffin’s.” They have traveled throughout the Southeast spreading the love of Christ.
Scott Rhoades has a passion for writing, and enjoys sharing his experiences and interests through publication and speaking in public forums. After completing graduate work in 2006, he began to pursue freelance writing and continued public speaking. In 2009, he took to the airwaves, joining the staff of WMUG in Indiana, Pennsylvania where he is the Program Host for Sunday
Morning Light. The owner of Ivory Hill Studios, he is the co-author of Legacy of Love: Memories from Ivory Hill - a collection of stories and poems highlighting the history of the Rhoades family and the small coal-mining town of Nanty-Glo, Pennsylvania. Scott is also a songwriter, publishing his first song, I’m Under His Wings, with Asheville Music Publishing/Chris White Music in 2010. Website: www.scottrhoades.net Joan Walker grew up with music in the house and first heard Southern Gospel in her early teens. With almost a quirky (some may say ‘weird’) need to make sure words are spelled correctly and the apostrophes are in the right place, she enjoys proofreading the articles for the SGN Scoops magazine each month...and looks beyond the letters and commas to the wonderful words each writer has written. Joan counts it as a blessing in her life to be part of SGN Scoops!
Pete Schwager is a web developer and graphic designer with a passion for Christ. He was born in Santa Rosa, California and moved to Oregon where he spent most of his life. He now lives in the quiet town of Ringgold, Georgia and enjoys living in the country with his family. You can find him online at http:// peteschwager.com
Staci Schwager helps with marketing and communication with her husband’s web design company, Cre8able Media. Together they make a great team! Staci being the “talkative” one, loves being able to communicate one on one with clients and organizing ideas. While Pete on the other hand is diving into the design and coding aspects to make the real masterpiece! Most of Staci’s days are filled with preparing homeschool lessons for her kids, couponing, gardening, tending to her chicken flock and spending as much time on the beautiful, country land God has blessed them with.
Contributors SGN SCOOPS
carlyandfriends.com
Richard (Rick) Kiser Jr. is the author of the children’s book series, Carly and Friends. He also has written one novel, “Forever My Son.” He is a full time computer technician and lives in Virginia with his wife and two daughters. To learn more about Rick visit his web site www.
Dixie has been married to Pastor Paul Phillips for 35 years. The couple has been honored to serve the congregation of the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, for 31 years. They have four grown children and four “perfect” grandchildren. Dixie is a ghostwriter, award winning children’s author, and songwriter. She and her sister-in-law Sharon won the 2012 Singing News/Solid Gospel Songwriters Search with their song “Hidden Heroes.” Her favorite pastime is counting her blessings. If you’d like to know more about Dixie, visit her website at www.floydslighthouse.com or www.phillipsandphillipsmusic.com. You can e-mail Dixie at Phillips4Him@myomnitel.com.
My name is Tina Wakefield and I am currently Music Minister for Amazing Grace Worship Center in Alabaster, Al. I have led worship for over 18 years as well as teach adults how to live everyday life in Victory as a Christian. I enjoy playing and singing Gospel Music whenever and wherever I am invited. I currently have three Cd s available on my website at www.tinawakefield.com and just released my first music video with Godsey & Associates called,” The Choice” available on YouTube. I write a lot of the music we sing at church and also record my original songs. My family is very ministry oriented with Pastors, Teachers, Musicians, and Singers. My heart’s desire is to spread the gospel of Christ through any and all open doors that I receive.
Dr. Jeff R. Steele is a pastor, conference speaker, singer, songwriter, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is currently the Senior Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama. Their services are webcast worldwide; they have a weekly television program and host an annual Jubilee each August that attracts hundreds from around the southeast. Dr. Steele is beginning his eighth year there. As a songwriter Jeff has been credited with 17 Number One songs in Christian music as well as four BMI Gold Medals for Great National Popularity as measured by Broadcast Performances. He has also been recognized by BMI as Christian Songwriter of the Year on several occasions. The group, The Steeles was featured across the nation and was seen on numerous magazine covers, feature articles, television and radio programs during their ministry on the road. Jeff is still writes songs and articles, sings on occasion and speaks in conferences and revivals. Jeff is married to Sherry, his wife of 31 years and they have three grown children. Visit Jeff on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and at www.jeffrsteele.com.
Erin Stevens is a uniquely talented 18 year old shutterbug, singer, guitar player, writer, blogger, social networker and shooting coach. She is the owner/operator of Photos For Keeps By Erin. She also travels in fulltime Gospel music ministry with The Stevens Family. Photography is her passion, and singing for Christ is her calling. Check out her photography website www.photosforkeepsbyerin.com and her ministry website www.stevensfamilymusic.com.
Contributors SGN SCOOPS
After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Mass Communication degree, Craig Harris has been in the journalism field for more than 15 years, working daily as both a photographer and writer at one of the largest non-daily publications in the state of Tennessee. He has experience in feature writing, news writing, action photography, portrait photography, web-site maintenance and layout. Craig has been a part of numerous awards, both collective and individual honors in the journalism field. He has had articles published in numerous newspapers and magazines on a variety of subjects, most notably in the world of sports. Craig’s Southern Gospel interest dates back for approximately the same time span, having closely followed the industry since the later portion of the 1990s. He also performed for seven years with a local trio prior to joining the SGN Scoops staff. Sherry Anne Lints, a Doctor of Chiropractic, singer, speaker, actress, writer and fitness trainer, was born with a bilateral hearing and speech impairment. She appeared in the films, Clancy and The Perfect Gift and was a special guest on 100 Huntley Street, in Ontario, Canada. She is a contributing author for the book, Modern-Day Miracles and released her second CD, Keep on Prayin’, July 2012 and has opened for many of the Gaither Homecoming Artists. Additionally, Sherry Anne helps lead worship and drama at her church. For more information, visit: www.SherryAnne.com.