Southern Gospel Magazine February 2014

First, Marty and I would like to wish each of you a very Happy Valentines Day. This month to us is very special as we will be celebrating our Anniversary! We feel so blessed. God has been good to us and given us so much and we are so thankful.

As you are looking at Southern Gospel Magazine, you will notice our new website and we are very excited about it! We will be offering more features on the website and in the near future we will be adding some polling…”voting” on artists and songs, etc. We have to work out all th e details on that! As soon as we do, we will let you know.

We have also added a new section in the magazine, BLUEGRASS..be sure and check it out. Marty is the contributor for this portion and we are introducing it in this issue!

Also, we have added our actual magazine on another site...be sure and check it out…. issuu.com/southerngospelmagazine/

docs/sgm_january_2014?e=10534001/6475991 Lots of wonderful things are happening and we are growing!

Take care and enjoy the magazine...sit back with a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate and read from cover to cover. You will be glad you did.

God Bless…..

Ruthie & Marty

Gospel Hour Radio is honored to inform you that “The Brewers� are nominated for Artist of the Year and Ms Ruthie Brewer is nominated for Female Artist of the Year. You and your friends may cast your votes by going to www.gospelhourradio.com and clickng on the

Primitive Quartet Receives Congressional Record

Randy Fox

Gordon Mote Signs New Booking Agreement Nashville, TN (January 13, 2014) —Celebrated singer, musician, and songwriter Gordon Mote has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Jeff Roberts and Associates and JRA Fine Arts, divisions of Jeff Roberts Corporation.

Jeff Roberts and Associates and JRA Fine Arts are full-service booking departments within the Jeff Roberts Corporation, representing nationally recognized performing artists.Their music roster at the JRA division includes Casting Crowns, Matthew West, the Newsboys and others in the CCM field. Within the Fine Arts division, which focuses on Performing Arts venues and Symphonies, the company represents legendary female vocalist Sandi Patty, Jason Crabb, Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, Nicole C. Mullen, and pop/country/gospel icon B.J. Thomas, among others.

Now Mote joins the ranks of JRA Fine Arts' talent commenting, "I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the incredible team at JRA Fine Arts. Their vision is contagious and encouraging. My manager, Bob Rodgers, and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership."

JRA Fine Arts President Jeff Roberts agrees, "JRA Fine Arts is very excited to be involved with such an amazing talent as Gordon. We have big plans for him and look forward to the future booking him with churches, performing arts centers and symphonies."

Our 2014 Schedule is rapidly filling so please call and schedule soon‌

www.rockyandgailsmith.com 336-790-6257 "Seeds Of Hope" featuring 10 new original songs written by Rocky and

Gail Smith and a bonus song in honor of Gail's mother who past away in 2013.

P.O. Box 36 Dover, KY 41034 Email: newharmony4@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/NewHarmonyMinistry? ref=br_tf Website: http://www.newharmonyministry.com/

Legacy Five Signs Long-Term Recording Contract with Daywind Records

HENDERSONVILLE, TN - January 14, 2014 Multi-award-winning artist Legacy Five recently signed a long-term recording contract with Daywind Records.Daywind has been Legacy Five’s home for the past decade, beginning with the group’s “London” project.The group is putting the finishing touches on their latest recording, entitled “Great Day.”The upcoming release is produced by Lari Goss, and it will release on March 25.

Legacy Five manager Scott Fowler stated, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Daywind.Daywind has an incredible roster of artists, and we consider it an honor to be a part of their family.We are very excited about the direction they are going.We feel like our fans are part of our team, too.Daywind is inviting our fans to choose the cover photo for our new CD, ‘Great Day.’Fans can vote at http://legacyfive.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/choose-l5s-new-cd-cover/ #comment-3168.”

“Legacy Five is one of the premiere groups in Gospel music.This agreement will continue Daywind’s successful partnership with Legacy Five for the foreseeable future,” stated Daywind Vice President Scott Godsey.

In 2014, Legacy Five will celebrate its 14-year anniversary in Southern Gospel Music, having been formed by Roger Bennett and Scott Fowler, two of the members of the legendary Cathedral Quartet.The male quartet has been nominated for two Dove Awards and more than 75 Singing News Fan Awards.“Great Day” comes to Legacy Five fans following its latest release, a “A Wonderful Life.” “A Wonderful Life” included the successful singles “Ask Me Why,” “Living In the Palace,” and “I’m Still Amazed.”

Daywind Records is home to a great roster of artists such as Brian Free and Assurance, Adam Crabb and Greater Vision.Daywind is distributed to retail through New Day Christian Distributors, Select O Hits, and all major digital outlets including iTunes. For more information, visit www.daywindrecords.com or contact Amanda Martin at publicity@daywind.com.

For more information on Legacy Five, please visit www.legacyfive.com.

Adam Crabb has joined the Gaither Vocal Band

Adam Crabb has joined the Gaither Vocal Band!

Southern Gospel Magazine has learned that Adam Crabb has joined the Gaither Vocal Band. Adam is known for the days of singing with his family, “The Crabbs� and his solo singing career and also as the worship leader of his church.

Bill Gaither released the following statement. "For decades now, we have reinvented the Gaither Vocal Band again and again, and in the process we have found some of the most incredible male singers and wonderful human beings on the planet. Adam is a very exciting addition to this 30-year legacy of excellence."

Adam fills one of the roles being left vacant in the Gaither Vocal Band after the recent announcement of the departures of Mark Lowry and Michael English. A fifth member of the group will be added at a later date, but has not been decided yet at this time.

JASON CRABB JOINS ROMA DOWNEY & MARK BURNETT FOR SPECIAL JIM BAKKER SHOW TAPING

NASHVILLE, TN) – Acclaimed vocalist, musician, songwriter, author, and television personality Jason Crabb will join Producer and Actress Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel, The Bible) and Producer Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor, Shark Tank, The Bible), for a very special taping of the Jim Bakker Show on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Downey & Burnett will visit the show to talk about their new feature film, Son of God, set to release in February 2014.

Jason Crabb was personally selected by host Jim Bakker as the musical guest for this special taping. Bakker commented: "When I found out that Mark Burnett & Roma Downey were coming to our show, I knew I had to have the perfect musical guest and there's none better than my amazing friend, Jason Crabb! He is one of the most anointed artists of our time and loved by so many, not to mention one of my favorites!"

On Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 8:30 AM CST, viewers can tune in online at www.JimBakkerShow.com to view the filming. A broadcast date and time will be announced at a later date.

Crabb’s latest single release, “Love Is Stronger” – produced by Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus - is heating up airwaves on both christian and country radio. The song’s theme is striking a chord among the hearts of listeners. The video, which debuted on USAToday.com, is making an impact on video channels and online outlets including CMT.com, GACtv.com, UPtv among others

ARDEN, NC (January 29, 2014): After traveling full-time for the last ten years, The Crist Family has decided that it is time to come off the road. With John and Tami Starkel's recent decision to pursue some new paths at this time in their lives, along with the Crist girls getting married and looking to start families of their own, it is evident that this chapter in The Crist Family is coming to a close.

"One thing is certain," says Rich Crist of The Crist Family, "life will have changes.

It was a major time of change ten years ago when God called us into full-time ministry. Now, with this change, we are looking forward to see where He takes us next. It has been a wonderful journey and we will forever be grateful for the friendships we have made along the way."

Following their West Coast Tour in February, The Crist Family will finish out 2014 with "Farewell Concerts" on a limited basis.

"We thank God, Crossroads, The Harper Agency, our peers and all of the Southern Gospel Music fans. Thank you for the love and support you have shown to us along the way. We will always love you!"

Jim Murray ...

Five Decades of Telling The Good News In Song What would Southern Gospel music be without a male quartet? And, what would a male quartet be without a guy who generally sings higher than most women, one who is otherwise known as a tenor? Further, how would a bass singer’s voice sound so low if the tenor singer didn’t sound so high? Well, as we know there are tenor singers, and then there are tenor singers! I’ve always said that it takes a good tenor to make a bass singer sound good! Generally, the end guys, the tenor and the bass, are the guys that seem to command all the attention. Perhaps this is due to the extremes of their vocal ranges. So, when a good tenor singer comes along, he is always going to be in high demand, and one such tenor is Jim Murray. Jim wasn’t raised listening to Southern Gospel music like many of us, but while in high school he heard a recording of a trio singing “spiritual” music. Well, that certainly did whet Jim’s appetite for this “new music”, and it wasn’t long before he and some of his schoolmates were harmonizing to the music they were listening to sung by the Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers, and other great quartets of the early sixties. Aspirations were born within the hearts and minds of those young men and they started a group called the Melodaires with Bill Wagner singing bass, Tom Smith lead, Phil Bandy on baritone, Ron Thomas piano, and Jim Murray singing tenor. After graduation in 1962 from high school, these young men bought an old Aero-Coach bus, removed all the seats, built bunks with innerspring mattresses, and began bouncing down the road singing all over Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. After singing together for awhile, and getting pretty good, the boys heard of the Northern States Quartet Convention in Detroit, Michigan and decided to go there and compete with other up-and-coming groups, and they came away as the winning group. It was at the convention that Jim met Larry Orrell, the son of the singing convention’s promoter. As it goes in the quartet world,

Jim left the Melodaires and joined Larry Orrell and they formed a new group called the Orrells, along with Johnnie Marine, on lead, Buddy Liles on bass, and Charles Ramsey on piano. This group of guys released two recordings, and they were noticed by many of the artists they held in very high esteem such as, the Blackwoods, LeFevres, Statesmen, and Rebels, among others. Jim Murray caught the attention of J. D. Sumner, who was bass singer with the Blackwoods, just about the time that the Blackwoods bought the Stamps Music Company in Dallas, Texas. After the Orrells had sung at the Stamps Music School in Dallas, J. D. asked Jim to go to work for him at the Stamps Music Company. There was so much quickly happening in young Jim’s life around this time, and in 1964 he married his sweet little wife Loretta, and moved her to Dallas, Texas where he met and became good friends with Byron Burgess, Don Butler, and Donnie Sumner, J. D. Sumner’s nephew. Those young men worked at everything from actually binding the song books, to traveling as a trio or quartet all over the country, singing and teaching new music at singing conventions. While together, Donnie Sumner, Byron Burgess, and Jim recorded two albums, making quite a mark on gospel music during their short time together. Each one of these guys could not have known the great doors of opportunity that would open to them in gospel music after their experience at the Stamps Music Company. Jim remained with the Stamps Music Company for about a year, before joining Bob Wills and the Wills family at Sword & Shield Hess and the singing with the Inspirationals from Arlington, Texas. That group was comprised of Bob Wills, Jory Waldron, Charles Nix, and Jim Murray, and they were well known in Texas due to the television show that Bob Wills hosted. After about six months with the Inspirationals, the young Murray couple were getting homesick for Michigan, their home, so they packed up and moved back home, but their time there was short-lived, as a man Jim had met several years earlier by the name of Jake Hess, called him and asked him to take the place of Sherrill Nielson singing tenor in a new group that was taking the country by storm, known as Jake Hess and the Each one of these guys could not have known the great doors of opportunity that would open to them in gospel music after their experience at the Stamps Music Company. Jim remained with the Stamps Music Company for about a year, before joining Bob Wills and the Wills family at Sword & Shield Records, singing with the Inspirationals from Arlington, Texas .

That group was comprised of Bob Wills, Jory Waldron, Charles Nix, and Jim Murray, and they were well known in Texas due to the television show that Bob Wills hosted. After about six months with the Inspirationals, the young Murray couple were getting homesick for Michigan, their home, so they packed up and moved back home, but their time there was short-lived, as a man Jim had met several years earlier by the name of Jake Hess, called him and asked him to take the place of Sherrill Nielson singing tenor in a new group that was taking the country by storm, known as Jake Hess and the Imperials. So, once again they packed up and moved to Nashville, Tennessee joining Jake Hess, Armond Morales, Gary McSpadden, and Henry Slaughter.

When Jake Hess and Gary McSpadden left the Imperials, some thought that it would be the end of the group, but God had a plan beyond the wildest dreams of the guys who would continue with the group. Joe Moscheo joined the group and the relationship the guys had developed with the popular country crooner Jimmy Dean allowed the Imperials to work with him for seven years. Then, around 1969, Elvis Presley made it known that he liked the sound of the Imperials, and it was not long before they were backing Elvis in the studio and later backed him in his live shows. The Imperials remained with Elvis until 1972, but needless to say, their popularity had soared to new heights, but times were changing in the nation and around the world, and the style of the Imperials music was changing as well. The group found themselves with a wider audience than most southern gospel music groups were accustomed to. No longer were they in a “niche” market, but they had found their way into the “main stream” music market. While remaining loyal to the One they were singing about, they had been able to reach many more souls with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God opened doors for these men to sing where no gospel groups had ever gone before.

After Elvis Presley’s death, there was a great demand for shows with Elvis’ past back-up singers to travel the world singing with pre-recorded videos of Elvis.

In fact those shows are still very popular today, particularly in South America and Europe. A group was formed named the Elvis Imperials for just such shows, with Jim Murray, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus, and Joe Moscheo. Some of the same guys are currently continuing these same shows in Europe.

Jim Murray, on the other hand, had yet another famous group with whom he would sing by the name of the Gaither Vocal Band. Around 1987, Jim began singing tenor with the Vocal Band, and remained with them until 1992, making it one of the finest groups that Gaither has ever had, recording some of their greatest hits that remain popular yet today. Even though there were various members during his time with Gaither, none can

deny that the Jim Murray, Michael English, Mark Lowry, and Bill Gaither recording of “A Few Good Men” was one of their all-time finest, and has become a classic. All the years on the road, and singing night after night in all kind of weather conditions took its toll on Jim’s throat and in 1992 he had to have throat surgery due to a polyp on his vocal chords. After recovering from his throat surgery, Jim left the vocal band to dedicate his talent to a more personal ministry, and he and his wife Loretta traveled the country singing in churches and for evangelistic crusades, while Jim continued to perform an occasional Elvis Tribute show with the Elvis Imperials.

Jim’s music ministry has not slowed down, and he continues to sing occasionally with the guys he spent so many years with. He has been on many of the Gaither Homecoming videos, has performed with reunion groups at the National Quartet Convention, and he could still be on the road performing hundreds of dates every year, but God has led him into a ministry that not only blesses him but blesses the church where Jim is now Minister of Music, and Associate Pastor to the Senior Adults. Jim has had a very rich and successful life in music, having been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, nominated for numerous Grammy and Dove awards, and remains one the most respected names in the Gospel Music Industry; but after all of that success, Jim feels even more blessed being on the ministerial staff at Victory Baptist Church, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Jim shines when asked about his singing career, but he really glows when asked about his church.

Jared Stuffle (JK) to Sing Bass for The Perrys JK is to fill the role temporarily until Tracy is back full time.

January 20, 2014 - (Hendersonville, TN) Award-winning, Gospel group, The Perrys announced today that Jared Stuffle, known to everyone as JK, will be singing Bass until Tracy returns to the road full time.

JK is no stranger to road life. As the son of Libbi and Tracy, he has traveled with the group all of his life and has been the primary operating sound tech on the road. JK has been singing on stage since earlier this month, filling in as the Bass for his dad.

“I am incredibly thankful for God’s provision over my family and my dad’s health over the last year and am humbled to be able to do my part in his absence,” says JK. Tracy has been joining the group on stage for a couple songs each night over the last couple months but as he continues to recover, Jared is excited to be filling in those shoes.

“I am very over protective of Tracy and his health and we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to strengthen his recovery,” shares Libbi. “Sometimes that means having to cut a date and we know that our fans respect that and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

The Perrys joined StowTown Records in late 2013 and are in studios recording their upcoming CD, “Into His Presence.” “With Tracy’s recovery and physical therapy going so well and us recording our first CD with StowTown, this is sure to be an awesome year,” says Libbi. “Go God!” For more information on The Perrys and to see their upcoming tour dates, visit, www.perrysministries.com. Also, visit their facebook page for more “on the road fun” facebook.com/pages/The-Perrys

The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is pleased to

announce that the organization and Dollywood have reached an agreement that ensures The Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum's home for the next five years.

"Since 1999, Dollywood has graciously provided a facility for the Hall of Fame and Museum," says SGMA President Arthur Rice. "The year 2014 marks the 15th Anniversary of the opening of the museum, which currently houses more than 3,000 artifacts and honors 155 members of the Southern Gospel music community. We're honored that Dollywood continues to recognize the significance and importance of Southern Gospel music, and as both the SGMA and Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum continue to grow, we are grateful for their support and willingness to showcase this great music."

"Dollywood's commitment to Southern Gospel music and to the SGMA has been strong during the past 15 years," says Craig Ross, President and General Manager of The Dollywood Company, Inc. (a subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation). "We are thrilled to have the SGMA as part of the Dollywood family and we are honored to commit to providing the SGMA a home."

With an annual monthly average of 30,000 visitors, the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum is the only facility of its type solely dedicated to honoring a specific genre of Christian music. For more information, please visit www.sgma.org.

Introducing our newest addition to Southern Gospel Magazine!

Primitive Quartet Receives Congressional Record Photo: The Primitive Quartet with Congressman Mark Meadows, Pastors Steve Fox and Ralph Sexton, Jr.) Candler, NC - On December 20, 2013, North Carolina Congressman, Mark Meadows. presented the Primitive Quartet with the Congressional Record at Maple Ridge Baptist Church honoring the groups 40 plus years of spreading the gospel through music. A representative from North Carolina Governor, Pat McCrory's office, was also in attendance and made the official presentation Randy Fox

Third Time is the Charm for Red Roots Award-winning Triplets Release Third Album, Triplicity HENDERSONVILLE, TN - January 10, 2014 Red Hen Records is pleased to announce the release of Triplicity, the third album from award-winning recording artist Red Roots. Red Roots features identical triplets, Nika, Nicole, and Natalie Taylor.

With a stage persona as fiery as their blazing red locks, it’s no surprise Red Roots is enjoying tremendous success. Five radio singles off their first two albums have charted in the top 40 of the Singing News Magazine, with the first single “Seven Days” off Triplicity being their highest radio debut to date. Triplicity was featured as a New and Noteworthy release on the iTunes’ Country page during release week.

“The success of these faith-filled, trend-setting triplets has been very exciting to us as a record label,” said Rick Schweinsberg, A&R Director of Red Hen Records. “The impact these ladies are making in the lives of believers, young and old, is speaking volumes to us and only confirms the amazing gift and calling God has placed on their lives. We believe Red Roots is paving the way for younger generations to be exposed to great Christian music.”

Red Roots was named Favorite New Trio at the 2013 Singing News Fan Awards, presented at the 2013 Dove Awards and showcased at the International Christian Retail Show following their appearance on the American Bible Challenge.

Red Hen Records is the country division of Daywind Music Group and home to great artists such as Michael Lee and Zach & Rodney. Red Hen is distributed to retail and all major digital outlets through New Day Christian Distributors.

PineCone Bluegrass Camps Win North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association Arts & Humanities Award

– last year songwriting

CARY, NC – Late last year, the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association presented their Arts & Humanities Award to the Town of Cary for the bluegrass summer camp program presented in partnership with PineConethe Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. The bluegrass camps are offered at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, in Downtown Cary. This coming June will mark the fourth year of the camps, which have grown every year – last year songwriting was added to the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin camps.

“We are very proud to have received this award, and are happy to share the prestige with PineCone, our partners in these bluegrass camps,” Kris Carmichael, PageWalker supervisor, shared. “Their staff has been so helpful in identifying gifted instructors, managing the scholarship fund, and promoting the camps to the community.”

The purpose of the NCRPA’s Arts & Humanities Award is “to select and recognize the most innovative and effective arts and humanities programs of leisure service agency members of the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association. Through the state awards, recognition is given to both the importance of arts and humanities programs and to the leisure service agencies that provide them.”

“The Town of Cary has been a wonderful and supportive partner in making this program available to the community, and helping it grow,” said William Lewis, PineCone’s Executive Director. “Bluegrass music is an important piece of North Carolina’s cultural heritage, and we are glad to share this tradition with future generations of musicians.”

A highlight of the camp experience for many is when the students perform as the “opening act” for a featured bluegrass group as part of the Starlight Concert series.

For more information, visitwww.townofcary.org or www.pinecone.org. Registration for the 2014 bluegrass camps will begin in February.

For the last two decades the Bluegrass Bus Museum has educated and inspired the future generations of American music. From the deserts of California to the heart of the south, Don Clark has made it his personal mission to spread the joy of American music through his Bluegrass Bus Museum. The bus is a hands on interactive museum that allows children and adults to become immersed in the history of country and bluegrass music.

Don Clark, the owner and operator of the Bluegrass Bus Museum has collected bluegrass and country music memorabilia for the past thirty years. The bus museum includes hundreds of autographed photos of musical legends ranging from Flatt & Scruggs to Nickel Creek.The museum features vintage clothing worn by musical stars such as Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin and Johnny Cash. The museum is covered from floor to ceiling in musical items that date back to the 1930’s.

Many of the guests who tour the bus museum are overwhelmed by the amount of memorabilia that has been collected over the years. Children love the hands on approach to the bus museum and often come back two or three times a day.

For the last 20 years Don Clark has been acting alone as the sole supporter, operator and mechanical chief for the Bluegrass Bus Museum.

Hopefully with a little help from others the Bluegrass Bus Museum will be rolling into the future educating and inspiring the future generations of American music.

History of The Bluegrass Bus Museum In 1962 Donald Roy Clark watched his first episode of the Beverley Hillbillies. It was the opening theme song of the Beverley Hillbillies that introduced Don Clark to the sound of Earl Scruggs' banjo. He immediately became an avid fan of the show and was glued to the television set whenever Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs made a guest appearance.

There was something about the twang of Earls' banjo and the solid rhythm of Lester’s guitar that enticed Don Clark to buy his first Flatt and Scruggs album.It was the many publicity photos of Flatt and Scruggs standing in front of their Martha White touring bus that burned a vivid image in the young childhood mind of Don Clark. In 1987 Don Clarks' childhood dream came true when he purchased a 1955 Flixible bus from a feed and tackle shop in Baldwin Ca. Don immediately started getting autographs on the inside of the front door with the first signatures being that of Bill Monroe and his son James. The bus includes hundreds of autographed photos along with personal items from bluegrass and country music legends.

The bluegrass bus museum is in fact a gathering place for many country and bluegrass music legends. Artists such as Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs have graced the bus with their presence. Marty Stuart and Ricky Skaggs have all enjoyed the bluegrass bus.

Country legends ranging from Grandpa Jones to Dwight Yoakum have visited the museum. From coast to coast the bus has entertained people at thousands of musical venues, and has consistently been a draw for music fans, ranging from festivals in the lower 48 states to main stream musical events such as IBMA World of Bluegrass, SPBGMA, and Nashville Fan Fair.

The bus has been all over the country and everyone in bluegrass, fans and entertainers alike, have enjoyed all the memorabilia that Don has on the bus. It is not unusual to find someone with a tear in their eye sitting on the bus at a festival as the powerful impact of the "Bluegrass Bus Museum" will bring back many memories. One could sit on the bus for hours and not see everything. Don rotates the pictures, posters and memorabilia on a regular basis. "I'm always after anybody who wants to donate pictures or something old for the bus." says Don. The first ever Bluegrass Bus web site was created by Bob Cherry and was hosted on his web site CyberGrass. The bus has been featured in many publications including Bus Conversions Magazine (Sept. '96) and Bluegrass Unlimited (Aug. '97). In 2003 The Bus was featured on the Discovery Channel Program Weird Wheels. In 2004 the bus was also featured in a CMT short video clip for their top 20 countdown.

This classic 1955 Flixible Bus was manufactured in Loudenville, Ohio it is called a Visaliner or "Clipper" because the radiator shroud is located on top, at the back of the bus like a clipper ship sail. Flatt & Scruggs had a 1948 Flixible bus, the bodies are very similar. Don's bus is powered by a (4) stroke 8.2 Liter/500 c.i. Detroit Fuel Pincher Diesel V-8 engine with a 4 speed Allison AT-545 automatic transmission. The length is 35' and the width is 8'.

“Triumph Through Tragedy” Southern Gospel Magazine February 2014.

In this month’s story we will meet a man that knew God, Loved God and worked for God never fully understanding how much God loved him. We’d like to introduce you to John Ghormley. We pray his story of “Triumph Through Tragedy” will bless you as it has us.

Be Blessed, Rocky and Gail Smith My Story by John Ghormley; On a Saturday night in August of 1999 I attended a gospel concert by The Melody Boys Quarter of Little Rock, Arkansas, at the First Baptist Church in Fort Worth Texas. One of the songs they sang that night was "Mercy Called Me By Name" which I really enjoyed. My girlfriend bought their project by the same name that night.

Early in the morning on the following Wednesday, August 25, 1999, I left my house in Bedford, Texas, to drive to my office in Arlington, Texas. The trip was about 10 miles.

Less than 2 miles from the office I was driving east down a tree-lined boulevard passing a country club and approaching a railroad crossing on Avenue J in Arlington. At 7:55 AM, driving east, I was unable to see forward due to morning sun in my eyes. Driving too fast caused me to crash into the side of a freight train engine parked across the boulevard while coupling some freight cars at a warehouse to my right. I was trapped inside the car for 30 minutes until I could be extricated by the fire department and the jaws-of- life. Once out of the car they airlifted me to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

My right ankle was crushed, all but two ribs were broken, my right eye was pierced, and I had multiple internal injuries as well as numerous cuts on various part of my body. I was taken to surgery within an hour of arrival at the hospital. After surgery, I was placed into an induced coma because of my fighting with the multiple tubes as I came out from under the anesthesia.

My family was told I would not live 24 hours due to the severity of my injuries and the fact that I had contracted the MRSA infection. However, I lived through that period yet the pronouncement was made for 7 days thereafter that I could not live another 24 hours.

I was kept in an induced coma for 7 weeks still not expected to live. Doctors prescribed numerous courses of the strongest antibiotics available at the time to com-

bat the infection. The antibiotics were so strong that they began to damage my kidneys.

While I was in the coma my girlfriend played The Melody Boys project in my room and, in particular, the song written by Daryl Williams, , "Mercy Called Me By Name".

Shortly after regaining consciousness, the hospital brought me a breakfast tray upon which was a card with a scripture verse on it. The verse was the second part of Isaiah 43:1 "Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

From that scripture and The Melody Boys Quartet singing the Darryl Williams song, I began to realize that God was speaking to me of His care for me and His other children as well‌.

After regaining consciousness I endured several surgeries to remove my right eye, repair facial bone damage and do skin grafts to repair damage from bed sores on the back of my head and several attempts to save my crushed foot. (A year and a half later my foot would be amputated.) As my kidneys were failing due to the antibiotics, I was put on dialysis during the coma. Sometime after regaining consciousness my kidney doctor said one kidney was working 25 percent the other only 10 percent. I would be on dialysis the rest of my life. I requested prayer of friends for my kidneys and within 2-3 weeks they were working 100 percent. Both are working fine today.

One Sunday afternoon, lying in the hospital bed, I was feeling very lonely having had no visitors that day. Shortly after praying about that very thing, I began to feel someone standing behind the head of my bed out of my sight. What happened next was the most wonderful, warm, comforting, and lovely experience of my entire life. As I was sitting up with the head of my bed raised, I felt God wrap his arms around my chest from the back of my bed. Never had I felt such love. My life changed forever on that Sunday afternoon!

I remained in the hospital for a total of 4 months. I was discharged December 31, 1999. Never have I doubted God's love for me since that time.

Moreover, I've come to recognize that God loves me no more than he does anyone else. Even though I was a Christian, I did not really feel that God loved me before that Sunday afternoon.

I had read He loved me but did not feel it.

Years later, God still loves me as He does each of us. He raised me up from my bed of affliction and has given me a good life.

There certainly have been trials but through them all, I know He is watching over me.

You see, my relationship with God changed when I began to feel His love. Trusting Him is easier knowing He really cares for me. I now have a ministry focused on helping other Christians begin to feel The Father's love if they don't already. What an awesome God He is!

God’s love be with you!!

WOW!! What a story. John now travels and gives his testimony wherever God gives the opportunity. To find out more about John’s ministry and schedule him to your church or venue you can go to www.youcanfeelhislove.com or contact him by phone at 336-745-0575.

Thank you for taking the time to read “Triumph Through Tragedy” Our goal is to encourage others to share their story. No matter how horrific or simple you feel your tragedy may be God can use your experience to encourage other believers and nonbelievers to trust in Him. Romans 8:28 reminds us “We know that all things work together to good for them that love God and are called according to his purpose” Our prayer is that this monthly article will help others get their stories out to the world. If you or someone you know have a story that you would like to be considered for the article please email it to rockyandgailsmith@gmail.com

Mark Trammell Quartet Launch Unique New Online Media Event

Gadsden, AL, January 21, 2014 - Crimson Road Productions has started a unique online media event for fans of Southern Gospel Music and the Mark Trammell Quartet. This is the first of its kind to take place in the genre!

The "Your Walk Talks Blog Tour" takes fans through a journey through a number of popular Southern Gospel blogs as they learn more about the debut project from the Mark Trammell Quartet under their new label, Crimson Road Productions. Each stage will feature interviews with a member of the group. At the end of the tour, fans will have a chance to win a signed copy of the new CD. The Your Walk Talks Blog Tour begins on The Mark Trammel Quartet's Blog found online at: www.marktrammellquartet.com/blog.html, and continues on to four other locations, each featuring a "piece of the puzzle", so to speak. The tour will run through January 28th, and the winner will be announced on January 29th.

Baked Fried Chicken

1 cup buttermilk 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast (I cut mine in half) 1 1/2 cups of bread crumbs ( I use Panko)

In a shallow bowl, pour buttermilk. Season the chicken with salt and milk.

Dredge in the breadcrumbs. For a added flavor, you can add a little P crumbs. Place on a nonstick baking sheet for 30 minutes and place

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and baked chicken until cooked thorou like a little fresh squeezed lemon juice on top of cooked chicken.

d pepper to taste. Then dip into butter-

Parmesan cheese to bread in the refrigerator.

ugh for about 40 minutes. Some people

10 Things To Leave Behind in 2014 There’s nothing magic about adding a number to the year on the calendar. But a new year provides a wonderful opportunity to leave behind things that aren’t working.

You might call it “Zero Sum Life.” Start with zero. Don’t assume anything needs to remain in your life that isn’t in line with your values, your purpose, and your conscious decisions.

At least briefly review your physical lifestyle, money habits, thoughts and emotions, use of time, personal relationships, and spiritual practices. Ask a few important questions about each area, and it’s likely you will find things that you can do without in 2014.

Here are some things you might choose to leave behind in the new year: 1. Negative people. Some relationships may have been necessary or beneficial at one

2.

3.

4.

5.

time, but are no longer working. Not all friendships or business connections are forever.

Automatic payments. Are you still using that gym membership? Reading that magazine? Enjoying that music subscription? Relishing that gourmet food item? You might be surprised how much money you could find in your monthly budget.

Looking at life with fear or anxiety. Sure, sometimes bad things happen. But sometimes good things happen too! Fear and anxiety take up a huge amount of energy, and certainly don’t express trust in a good God. Unimportant physical “stuff.” A cluttered work or living area can often result in a cluttered mind and spirit. Could getting rid of some “stuff” bring you a fresh mental start as well?

Neglect of your physical health. You don’t get healthier or younger by default.

Where might you need to adjust your lifestyle in order to be at your best physically?

Do you need to leave behind smoking, eating processed foods, or sitting on the couch a lot?

6. A grudge. Nothing releases your soul to soar like letting go of a grudge. Forgiveness is primarily for YOU. Your resentment doesn’t hurt the other person anyway.

7. Empty busyness. Not everything that can be done needs to be done. What is taking up your time? What items could you eliminate without decreasing your quality of life or your effectiveness as a person, and for God’s Kingdom?

8. Having to be right. Oh, the freedom not to have to convince everyone, or anyone, of your opinion. Just be you, enjoy it, and be about your own business.

9. Things that have outlived their purpose. Membership on a committee, reading that extra blog, following that TV show: some things were important then, but no longer add to your life. Cut them loose.

10. Empty spiritual practices. The purpose of spiritual disciplines is to connect us to God, and support our spiritual growth. If a certain practice is not accomplishing either of those, perhaps it’s time to let it go.

Before adding NEW things to your to-do list with New Year’s resolutions, cut out those things that are unimportant. You will have more room in your budget, home, heart, schedule, and soul for the truly important things.

Your turn: What are you saying GOODBYE to at this New Year? What are you hoping to replace it with? I’d love to hear from you!

And don't forget to listen to the Dr Carol Show! www.drcarolshow.com

Colbert Croft Passes Away - Bob Crawford

Valdosta, GA - Songwriter, Pastor Colbert Croft, died early on January 1, 2014.

Croft had been bedridden for the past three years, after suffering yet another massive stroke. He was 72.

Colbert and Joyce Croft, married for 49 years, were evangelists, and most recently pastored Faith Chapel, in Jasper, Florida. During the course of this recent illness they had moved to Valdosta, Georgia, where he was in a nursing facility. The Crofts were best know for the writing of "I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand", "I Believe When He Died, He Died For Me", "Is That Footsteps That I Hear", "First Million Years", and dozens of others recorded by their many Southern Gospel friends over the last four decades.

Burial was. at Evergreen cemetery, in Jasper, Florida.

Bluegrass musicians who perform Gospel music usually choose from one of several paths. There’s the traditional style of bluegrass Gospel, made classic by Flatt and Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, and the like. There are the a capella numbers favored by groups such as Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Then there are the smooth, country-flavored contemporary songs which are so popular these days.

Locust Ridge, a relatively new group from East Tennessee, touches at least briefly on all of these styles on their latest album, Healed, offering fans of Gospel music quite a treat.

The thirteen songs here are mostly originals, with eight of them written or cowritten by lead vocalist and guitarist Russell Allen, but they all cling strongly to bluegrass and southern Gospel traditions. The album opens with Allen’s Still Walking on the Water, a cheerful midtempo number about how, thousands of years after His time on earth, Jesus still helps people every day. The always enjoyable Southern Gospel favorite Canaan’s Land is Just in Sight is given a bit of a bluesy sound, guided by guest Justin Moses’s fiddle. It’s quite reminiscent of IIIrd Tyme Out’s Gospel efforts, with nice bass work by Larry Allen.

On the more contemporary side of things is Mercy Found Me, co-written by Russell Allen and Steve Gulley (who also produced and engineered the album). This song is slower than most on the album, and shares the singer’s thankfulness for salvation, although he knows he doesn’t deserve it. Gulley and Allen also worked together on another contemporary track, Restoring the Love, which was previously recorded by Dale Ann Bradley on her Somewhere South of Crazy album. Bradley offers her immediately recognizable harmony vocals on Locust Ridge’s cut of the song, a tender story of healing and help from the Lord.

One of the best aspects of the album is the tight harmony vocals provided by the three Allen brothers (Russell, Larry, and Josh), along with several additional guest vocalists. It’s always been hard to beat family harmonies in bluegrass music, and these brothers offer several fine contributions. The harmonies are perhaps the most visible on I’m Glad I’m Saved, a smoothly executed a cappella number.

Another standout song is Silver and Gold, which wouldn’t be out of place on a Southern Gospel album, although the mandolin on the track brings it back toward bluegrass.

Strict traditionalists might have a problem with the album’s lack of banjo – although to be fair, many bluegrass Gospel songs that are now standards don’t include banjo, particularly those by Flatt and Scruggs. The traditional-sounding Oh I’m Glad I’m Saved is really the only song here that features banjo, and it’s definitely one of the album’s best.

Healed is a nicely varied album, and the members of Locust Ridge are obviously fa-

miliar with the numerous traditions that comprise bluegrass Gospel music. The band members work well together, both vocally and instrumentally, with Russell Allen (guitar and vocals), Larry Allen (bass and vocals), Josh Allen (mandolin and vocals), and Andy Blalock (rhythm guitar and banjo) all displaying their talents. Fans of bluegrass Gospel will certainly want to check out this release.

For more information on Locust Ridge, visit their website at www.locustridge.org.

Their new album is out now from Rural Rhythm Christian and can be purchased from a variety of online music retailers.

John Goad, Freelance

Over the last several months, Julie has shared all the planning ideas with us about her wedding in January. Julie is now married to the man of her dreams and we will share with you, some of her actual wedding pictures.

Southern Gospel Magazine hopes you have enjoyed these articles and that you maybe even got some ideas of how an Interior Designer plans her own wedding. It was magnificent and the bride was absolutely radiant.

We want to thank Julie for sharing this time with us and put us into her busy schedule each month. She is now settled into her “everyday� life and enjoying being a newly wed. We wish Julie and JB the most blessed and happy life ever!

January 4th 2014 was one of the most beautiful days ever! I married my best friend, my soul mate, the love of my life! All the prepping and planning for this special day turned into a fancy fairytale come true! We could not have made our dream wedding come true without the generous hard work and loving support of all our family and dearest friends. I would like to send out a HUGE Thank You to my mom (Carole) who went above and beyond to help make this beautiful wedding come together. She not only helped decorate, make wedding favors, sew hair bows, put together centerpieces, make the bridal bouquets, handmade wedding bows (the list goes on) she made all of the fancy cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and candy for our exquisite desert bar. Thanks mom, we really appreciate all your help! We love you very much!!

My best friend of 35 plus years (Launa) came in from Southern California. Her and her husband Scott were such an amazing help with all the set up and clean up, making sure that I never “freaked” out and that the day ran smoothly! My beautiful daughter Kailey had the tedious job of painting and glittering 400 silk flowers (we will be cleaning up glitter for months).

My lovely friend Laura along with my sweet daughter Kailey not only gave me the most memorable bridal shower, they helped set up wedding décor, and their help was so appreciated. My fabulous niece Breanna was there to take hundreds of pictures, being in places when the wedding photographer was busy shooting elsewhere. Her talent is amazing and I am so excited to have such wonderful memories of our special day.

My favorite hair dresser and dear friend Christy created my beautiful hairstyle and made me look and feel like a true princesses. The wedding set up required a lot of “man power” so a huge thank you to my wonderful husband James, and all our boys, Jason, Jacob and Jason.

The day was amazing, and we have been truly blessed!! Thank you to everyone who shared in our special day, it really meant a lot to us, we are truly grateful for your love and friendship!

Marriage Prayer: Lord help us to remember when we first met and the strong love that grew between us. To work that love into practical things so nothing can divide us. We ask for words both kind and loving and hearts always ready to ask for forgiveness as well as forgive. Dear Lord we put our marriage into your hands.

Does God Care If You're Fat?

"What kind of question is that? Are you TRYING to make me upset?”

No, I’m not trying to make you upset. But I do want you to think about the question. If approximately two thirds of Americans are overweight, and one third are obese, surely God has something to say about the situation.

Christian preachers and gospel singers have a reputation for being seriously overweight. Some data asserts that Christians are more frequently overweight than those of other religions, or no religion at all. And yes, you’ve probably heard all the jokes about fried chicken.

But again, what is God’s perspective on this?

Let me presume to suggest what I believe is God’s point of view.

God won’t check your BMI at heaven’s door. There are no scales at the foot of the pearly gates. Thin people, fat people, old people, young people – there’s only one criterion for entry into heaven: is Jesus your Savior?

God hurts when you hurt. You are His child. If you’re a parent, you understand how your child’s pain affects you. Being overweight hurts you physically and emotionally, and God cares about that.

God understands your weaknesses. Jesus felt what you feel (Hebrews 4:15). If you have struggled to lose weight, He understands your struggle personally. He’s not a taskmaster forcing you to do anything. He’s more like your biggest fan cheering, “You can do it!”

God values your wellbeing for His Kingdom. God is eager to use you every way He can. Your effectiveness is impacted if you are not healthy, including being overweight. He doesn’t wait until you change to use you, but He does want you at your best.

God empowers you to live better. More than your biggest fan, God will also walk with you daily in your journey, regardless of your weight. In losing weight, He will help you deal with whatever is weighing you down, empower your motivation, and

strengthen you to make the lifestyle changes you need to do.

God deals with your inside first. There are many reasons you may struggle with being overweight. God is the best there is at transforming your heart from the inside out. Then all the outward behavior changes will naturally follow, even if they are sometimes difficult.

God celebrates your positive transformation. God is in the business of restoring broken things -even you - to be greater than they could ever have been before. He loves showing you off as an example of what His grace can do in someone’s life – weight and all.

Does God care if you’re fat?

Yes. And No. He loves you just the way you are. He also loves you too much to let you stay the way you are.

Your turn: How do you think God feels about you? Is He trying to change something in your lifestyle? I’d love to hear from you!

And don't forget to listen to the Dr Carol Show! www.drcarolshow.com

HENDERSONVILLE, TN – January 8, 2014 –Newsboys, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, Royal Tailor, Hawk Nelson, and several others have added a name to their CD's label copy that might at first seem unexpected. Daywind Music Publishing, traditionally known for being a mainstay in the Southern Gospel market bolstering hit songwriters such as Karen Peck, Dianne Wilkinson, Marty Funderburk, Kenna West, Sue Smith, Jason Cox and several more, has launched a new publishing division with full force.

In the spring of 2012, Daywind Music Publishing saw the value in expanding into other areas of the Christian music publishing space and initially brought on one new songwriter. That writer, Sam Tinnesz, was the guitarist for 10-time Dove nominated CCM band Mikeschair. Sam was also the co-writer of their hits including “Let The Waters Rise” and “Someone Worth Dying For.” In his first year of signing with Daywind, he quickly landed cuts on new releases by Natalie Grant (“Dead Alive”), Newsboys (“That’s How You Change The World”), Mandisa (“Dear John”), Hawk Nelson’s current radio single, “Faithful,” and more. This early success gave Daywind the confidence to jump fully into the publishing world of CCM. Daywind hired music veteran Chad Green as Senior Creative Director to oversee the growth of this newly formed publishing division. Green has nineteen years of music industry experience including eleven years with ASCAP and 4 years with Word Music Publishing.

Within his first month at the company, Green had finalized a pending deal with indy touring worship band, Hearts of Saints. The band’s title track of their current CD, “For All of Us” was also recorded by Natalie Grant for her recent release, Hurricane. Immediately to follow, Green signed Dove-nominated songwriter Michael Fordinal and brought in cuts on Royal Tailor (“Got That Fire”) and a number of songs on the upcoming release, Scripture Songs for Kids. Later, Green signed Grammy and Dove nominated writer/producer Aaron Rice, who is currently cowriting for and producing the songs inspired by album for the upcoming motion picture “Day of War” entitled, Praise and Arrows. In addition, Rice is co-writing and producing former American Idol contestant Jeremy Rosado’s debut album with the first single, “Hope for Tomorrow,” (Rice/Rosado/Tinnesz) releasing this month.

Rounding out the newly formed CCM addition with a focus on worship, Green

signed Justin Kintzel to the team. Kintzel is the Campus Worship Pastor for the world’s largest Christian university, Liberty University located in Lynchburg, VA. In addition to expanding the roster and growing the catalog, Green has been busy putting together a collection of worship songs, Songs for the Living King, that will be released in time for Easter and has partnered on songs with worship leaders across various states including Virginia, Georgia, Montana, Texas, and of course, Tennessee. Worship leaders on this project include Justin Kintzel, Jarrod Morris, Matt Warren, Michael Farren, Paul Reeves, Benji & Jenna Cowart and more. When asked about all that has happened over the past 7 months, Green states, “I’m very excited about this new chapter in my career and getting to partner with all of these incredibly talented writers and producers. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to work with such respected individuals as Rick Shelton and Ed Leonard. We all have big dreams, big goals, and thankfully an even bigger God! Let’s see what kind of fun we can have in 2014!”

For more information on Daywind Music Publishing, follow us on Facebook (DaywindPublishing) or Twitter (@DaywindMusic), or contact Chad Green at 1-615822-4524.

SONGWRITING MADE SIMPLE: ASK AS A CHILD

Thank you to all my readers for you many comments and letters to me, both on Facebook and on my website, regarding my last month’s article. Many of you asked to see an example of how journaling is so essential to lyric writing. To respond to those questions, I have decided to forgo writing about hooks. Instead I will share a recent example of how my journaling has literally had statements that years later became song lyrics.

During the last few weeks, one of my co-writer and I have been working on a children’s song. We have re-written the same chorus lyrics at least a half dozen times!

We had hoped to be finished by now, but we were blocked. We needed to return to the words of a child!

Carolana in Nigeria 1964, months before being placed on Foster Care.

Where would I find such words? I went to my childhood journals that I wrote at about age eight. There I found the simple phrases needed to complete the children’s song chorus. Since most of my childhood (my school years) was spent in an abusive foster home, I would stay quiet by writing to Jesus in my journals. Here are examples of what I wrote to Jesus: *Help my heart fly like a butterfly. *Please bring Joy To my World everyday! *Bring Peace on Earth…my home is on the earth…so bring peace to my home. *I like being one of the children in of the world. *You love me; help me love others. *You make all my days special. *Thank you for making each day just for me. *You are my Momma kisses and Daddy smiles. *I love to play with friends. Please find me some. *Please know my name. *Let me touch your smile. *I am sad. Help me smile. *Help me to be good not bad. *Help my home be happy. *Let me hold your hand. *Make me safe. I always feel lost. *Help me sleep. I hate the dark. *Help me know some songs. (CarolanaSongs 2014) These simple prayers were spoken to Jesus when I was a child, and I still need them now—‘cause I’m still His child!

What about you? Where to you go to find simple phrases for your lyrics? What simple, childhood prayers do you still say now?

February has arrived giving us again an opportunity to show our affection and friendship to our spouses, family and best of friends on Valentine’s Day. We have so many ways to show this kindness. There is, of course, the traditional and popular ways: chocolates, flowers, cards and wonderful meals. The traditional ways will probably stay at the top of our list now and for many years to come.

What if we stepped aside for a few moments to be a little creative and with a new approach of showing our love and kindness to others? Each of us has special, unique talents and creative gifts. Some could make hand made valentine cards, sew or knit something, create a watercolor painting or a drawing using colored pencil, etc.

Would it not be incredibly unique to give something that only you could do? Remember, it is always those simple gifts made from the heart that touches our loved ones and close friends. And, this simple gift could also be a warm hug, a happy smile or even a friendly sincere phone call.

Any gift that comes from the heart is really what Valentine’s Day is all about. Let’s set ourselves aside and begin reaching out to others in very special ways this year.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY Del Malonee

http://www.delmaloneefineart.com http://www.facebook.com/delmaloneefineart delmaloneefineart@sbcglobal.net

PREACHER APPRECIATION CONTEST HENDERSONVILLE, TN - As Greater Vision’s hit single “Preacher Tell Me Like It Is” nears the top of the radio charts, Greater Vision and Daywind Records are sponsoring a Preachers Appreciation contest for pastors who “tell it like it is!”

Here’s how it works: One winning pastor will win a trip for two to the Great Smokies Praisefest in Gatlinburg, TN, to be held Nov 3-5, 2014, including event tickets, accommodations and a $150 gas card.

Fans can participate by sending an email to preacher@daywind.com giving us the name of their pastor and church. A wining pastor will be chosen at random from the entries. The contest will run from January 1 - February 14, 2014. Winners will be announced on February 15, 2014 on Greater Vision and Daywind Records Facebook pages.

The event features Dr. Charles Stanley, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, the Mark Trammell Quartet, the Collingsworth Family, and more. Additional random winners selected from the entries will receive a Greater Vision “For All He’s Done” special edition double pack cd. Keep one, give one to your pastor!

Please contact Daywind Records at 1.800.635.9581 with questions. For complete contest rules please visit daywindrecords.com/radio/contest.html. Void where prohibited.

"When Life Was Simple"

By Rev. Andrew Baker I am sitting here thinking of my life and when it was so much simpler. Our parents would clothe, feed, dress and provide for us. Breakfast was always on the table in the morning before school, lunch was packed and when we got home from school we would have help with homework. Then we would go outside and play, and mom and dad would have a hot meal on the table for us when we were called in for dinner time.

My parents always did their best to make sure all of their kid's never went without.

We had a roof over our heads, a warm bed to sleep in, and we always had plenty of love and family time.

What has happened to those days? Now we are all grown up and moved on, we don't have our parent's to protect us, make us lunch, or tell us to do our homework.

We have to do these things ourselves. We have to put a roof over our own head's, make our own meal's, and go to work to provide for our own familie's to ensure they have everything they need. Just as our parent's did for us.

It just seems like those simple times have slipped away, even quality family time has dwindled out of site. Whoever has enough time to sit down and eat dinner with their families anymore, or have board game night or movie night? What happened to the simple family value's that I grew up with?

Today you see kid's playing video game's, texting and talking on their phone's.

Social networking on their laptop's, tablet's, phones etc. Nobody know's what it mean's to play outside anymore. You tell kid's to go outside and run around in the wood's, play some ball or even get some dirt on their clothes and it's like you just committed a crime. It's a sad truth though...

I long for the simple days of living, when there were only a dozen channel's on tv, no computer's, cell phone's etc. We were free to be kid's then. You rarely heard of adult's trying to pick up kid's on the internet, we didn't have all this access to porn and all the other smut they have access to these day's.

We didn't have to lock our cars and house's at night. You could invite a stranger in for a cup of coffee or say hello to a stranger and not worry about being killed or rapped. Did those thing's happen year's ago? Yes, but not nearly as much as they do now.

Society has changed so much since I was a young child, and even more so for my parent's. We need to pray for our youth, and train them up to be strong men and women of God. Let's get back to simple family value's. Spend time around the dinner table, have game and movie night's. It will make a difference for you and your family.

I pray that this month's "Thought of Inspiration" blesses you and your loved one's. I am alway's interested in hearing from folk's and receiving their insight on what the Lord has given me to write each month. I would love to hear from you, your testimonie's, what God has been doing in your life or if you just need prayer.

You can contact me at revandrewbaker@gospelhourradio.com you can also swing by and check out my daily devotional's on Gospel Hour Radio's website by going to www.gospelhourradio.com and going to the GHR-Ministrie's tab on the homepage and clicking on daily devotional's. Until next month this is Rev. Andrew Baker praying that the Lord richly blesses you and your family and wrap's His arm's of protection around each one of you...

God Bless You, Rev. Andrew W. Baker

Hello my friends, and welcome to Kathy’s world, and a balmy one degree above zero here in the Antarctic, least that’s what it feels like out there tonight.

I hope you are all warm and safe. As for me I am warm, and safe, but it's major cold here.

Tonight I am in a lot of pain.

So many people out in this cold, and we really need to be praying for the homeless and those who have very little, for it isn't a time to be out right now, day or night.

I was reading about the incident at the Fukushima plant in Japan. An article read that a huge radioactive cloud was heading to North America. Now I don't know if this is true or not, but When I lived in KY in 1980 and the volcano erupted in Washington we got the fall out from it some months latter and there was a haze that hung around for days.

You know, it's possible! Because we are still on planet Earth the last I heard, and so is Japan.

That is something else we all need to pray about so we can be prepared if and when that time does come.

I watched a video on it where they were telling how to have lots of electrical tape, plastic, and a mask that filters out the toxic gas .We should always have a fresh supply of caned foods and staples so if there is any kind of accident including a tornado, or snow storm, just anything that would keep us indoors then we would have a fresh food supply.

I have a small cabinet downstairs that I replenish every once in a while by using the food up before the date ends, and putting in foods with a longer date. It is a good idea, because we have been snowed in 3 days before, that tells you that you're not doing something stupid, just keeping an open mind, and making sure your family is safe, and well fed in an emergency.

People' times have changed. You can't walk down the street in your very own home town and feel safe anymore. I went to the doctor by myself last month and I was thinking about how that visit to the doctor could change my family forever. We can no longer feel safe, it's almost like I woke up and found myself living on an alien planet with people I never knew before. People you once called your friend will

walk past you and never say a word, not even look over their shoulder to see if they recognize you.

When I was singing I met the sweetest people I had ever seen, people who were willing to help set up the equipment, talk to you like you were family, and then help you take everything back down and put it in the vehicle for you. Now you can't get anyone to help you put your groceries in the vehicle!

There's killing, like I've never seen in all my life, people I grew up with killing others, and others committing suicide. Strange sounds being heard all around the world, flying objects that no one knows what they are.

Birds falling right out of the sky by the thousands, fish washing ashore, huge squid washing ashore that are never seen in the ocean due to the depth in which they live. I tell you this is a very strange time we are living in, and we all need to show love toward one another, not hide, or run away like a scared rabbit when you run into someone you used to know, and be kind to all strangers.

What would happen to our world if we all showed love toward each other?

If we took 5 minutes out of the day to call up an old friend and say hey' just thinking about you, and wanted to wish you a good day. Wouldn't it be nice to get one of those calls?

I had a new grandson to spend some time with over Christmas, and he is just the sweetest little one. All smiles for his momaw, and I thought he would be screaming when Audrey handed him to me, but he just smiled so big he half way dropped his pacifier, then he began to try and talk with me, I love them when their that age. Nathanael is 4 months old. I enjoyed my time with Nathanael and my son Damien and his wife Audrey on Christmas day. God is wonderful!

We think that life will go on and on, but with all that is happening in the world today people are just building up so much that one day they will be the very destruction of our world. Too many new gadgets that are not healthy for us, and too many nuclear plants. One small mistake and we'll all be saying goodbye!

Not trying to write a dooms day report, but trying to help you see the things that are wrong in this world that needs to change so that God will see favor in his eyes and let us stay for a while longer.

We are strangers, you and I' but I come into your life once a month you not knowing me, and me not knowing you, but we all know that the one reason we're here is for the glory of God, and to spread his name above all names to the ends of the world before it becomes everlasting to last.

I have so much pain in my life that I find it hard to be happy with things of this world. Right now I have what they are calling TMJ, and the pain is about unbearable. I know where I will be if I die do you?

Are you making choices that you are happy with?

Does every day include a little time with God? These things are so important to us, and when that day does finally come when God is finished with the race I have run I can lay my burdens down at my masters feet, and sit at the head of the table in the land of the free, the true land of the free.

Will you be there too? I hope so, cause all this writing would be for nothing if it didn't help carry a soul to heaven to befriend me there if not here.

Remember that I pray for you daily, and I love you all dearly, but Jesus loved you so much that he gave his son so that we could all be together one day.

Jeremiah 15:15 O Lord, thou knowest: Remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

God bless you every one Kathy Ann

Liberty Quartet is pleased to announce

ahead!"

the arrival of their newest vocalist, Paul Ellis. Paul is no stranger to Liberty Quartet, having traveled with the group for nearly four years before stepping down in 2006 to serve as a worship pastor. Group manager Royce Mitchell states, "I am thrilled to have Paul back on stage with us. His heart for worship and incredible voice will be an instant asset to Liberty's ministry. I can't wait to see what God has for Liberty Quartet in the days

Ellis will join Liberty Quartet in mid-February.

Chapel Valley Releases The Hyssongs First Music Video - Chapel Valley

Sharps Chapel, TN- Chapel Valley is excited to release The Hyssongs' first music video. The song, "Thinking About Going Home", written by Albert Watts, is a beautiful song that speaks about longing to see our loved ones that have gone on before us!

There are two interesting notes concerning this song. First, all of the footage was taken in The Hyssongs hometown. The other is that Dell Richard Hyssong Sr, Jr, III, and IV are all featured in this video.

Spin-In-Motion Under New Management South Pittsburg, TN (January 6, 2014) Beginning immediately Jimmy and Jennifer Layne of the ministry group Back Home will be taking over the management of LifeSong Music Group/Spin-N-Motion radio promotion company.

With years of music experience in the Country and Gospel markets doing background vocals and record producing, the incredible talents of Jimmy and Jennifer will now include radio promotions.

Their group Back Home has shared the stage with such greats as Karen Peck, Jason Crabb, Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Bowling Family, The Nelons, Gordon Mote and many others, as well as performing on the NQC Main Stage and Dollywood Theme Park performances.

Jimmy stated “We will be keeping the same structure and quality as Tony and Kim which has been very successful for many years.

We are here to help every artist succeed.”

Jennifer added “We are on the same team, let's help each other".

Tony & Kim Hudgins commented “For more than 15 years, we have been incredibly blessed to be a part of the Southern Gospel Music Industry. We have made innumerable friends and acquaintances that will forever be ingrained in our hearts and minds. As we eagerly welcome a new calling on our lives, we will be turning over the day to day operations to Jimmy and Jennifer Layne. Knowing this wonderful couple as we do, we are confident they will continue to promote and minister to radio for artists at a high level and with dedicated hearts. Ministry is first and foremost in their lives and we are excited to see them carry on with Spin-N-Motion and LifeSong Music Group.”

For information in using LifeSong Music Group to promote your next radio song contact them at 423-228-4301.

You can e-mail them at lifesongmusicgroup@gmail.com or go to their website www.spin-n-motion.com . **** e

About Back Home

The ministry of the Award Winning and Award Nominated group Back Home is a true example of the parable of the Prodigal Son. The ups and downs of life are all too familiar to Jimmy and Jennifer Layne. Through suffering several miscarriages, one to a set of twins, Jimmy's struggle with major drug and alcoholism problems and losing both of their well-established jobs within three days of each other, the faithfulness of God has revealed itself time and time again. Journeying through their pain and heartache together, songwriting is the therapy that gets Jimmy and Jennifer through the tough times. Raw and heartfelt lyrics that can only come from "real life" experience accompany beautiful melodic tunes that are sure to touch the hearts of the young, old and everyone in between.

Jimmy and Jennifer are no strangers to the music industry. Twenty-six year veterans of vocal session work, they are two of the most sought after background singers in the country and Gospel music industries. While holding jobs in corporate America, the Layne's managed to build a reputation as two of the most efficient and hardworking session singers around allowing them to build relationships with some of today's leading country and gospel artists. Knowing that God had called them into full-time ministry, Jimmy and Jennifer took a step of faith and started Back Home Ministries.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LYNN GIBSON. Of NORTH CAROLINA..SHE IS ONE OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL MAGAZINE’S BIGGEST FANS!!

KEEP TELLING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT SOUTHERN GOSPEL MAGAZINE!

LYNN SINGING AT THE FRONYT PORCH SINGING!

NQC Spring Break Concert Features The Sneed Family Glasgow, Kentucky (January 8, 2014) The National Quartet Convention is announcing a new event. While the Convention itself is moving to Pigeon Forge next year, they will continue a presence in Louisville, Kentucky with this new event, the NQC Spring Break. It will be held Thursday and Friday nights, March 27-28, 2014, at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

Though it has a much smaller line-up, the cream of the crop are scheduled to appear. Featured artists for Thursday night will be The Sneed Family, The Collingsworth Family, The Kingdom Heirs, and Jason Crabb, this event is sure to be a high energy concert with some of the best talent in the genre performing.

Jeff Sneed commented “We welcome the opportunity to be a part of this new outreach by the National Quartet Convention. Louisville has been very supportive of the NQC and it's great to continue a function of the Convention here.”

You can learn more about the Sneed Family at www.sneedfamily.com and https:// www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sneed-Family .

The Sneed Family can be reached at sneedfamilyoffice@yahoo.com .

You can learn more about the NQC and the new Spring Break at http://natqc.com . **** About The Sneed Family The Sneed Family began its gospel music journey in 1982 as “Glory Bound” with four young men just out of High School. The group was founded by 18-year-old pianist and baritone, Jeff Sneed. Jeff met and married Pam Saylors who not only became his wife, but his singing partner. Today they are living our dream by standing on stage with their entire family night after night. Since the groups beginning it has flourished into a current day family ministry team. Today’s group is made up of Jeff Sneed (vocals, piano), Pam Sneed (vocals), Amanda Cowan (vocals, mandolin), Caleb Cowan (vocals), Seth Sneed (vocals, rhythm & bass guitar), and Jacob Sneed (drums). In early 2008 The Sneed Family launched a brand new Christian Television Show called “Glory Bound Jubilee” on WPBM Proclaim Broadcasting.

Award nominated group, The Singing Byrds from Danville, Kentucky are excited as they move into full time ministry in 2014. They have been week-end warriors for many years; they are born again, spirit filled and believe in who and what they are ministering about. The group consists of Matriarch Anna "Mama" Byrd, her daughter, Jeanie Byrd Bailey, and son-in-law Ferrell Bailey.

With the release of their second project recorded in Nashville and the second project on their own record label, Rapture Ready Records (Get Caught Up). The CD entitled"HOMESICK" has twelve songs, most of which are built around the title. The first single going to radio is among the three songs on the project written

by Jeanie Bailey "You Can Count On Me" was released on Heritage, volume 12014 the third week of January and released through MusictoRadio. Com the last week of January. The Singing Byrds were the Artist Spotlight the last week of January as well, where they were in the top ten artist for eleven consecutive months in 2013. Their recording of "I Firmly Promise You" was the number one song for the month of February.

To book this Ministry for a concert, festival, homecoming, revival or a ladies conference, you may contact; Jeanie Bailey at 859-236-7740 or e-mail: thesingingbyrds777@yahoo.com. To purchase their music you can go to springside.com or visit their website, The Singing Byrds. Org Submitted by Bride of Christ Publishing and Promotions.

Joe Brown Announces Resignation from The Diplomats - Diplomats

Joe Brown, bass vocalist of The Diplomats, has announced his resignation from the group. "I appreciate the opportunities I have had with this fine group, as well as all the friends I have made traveling and singing Gospel music," says Joe. "I feel it is time for a change in my life and ministry. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me and my family. Thanks to the Diplomats for eight years of great times and happy memories. Please pray for my family and me, that we will always be in His will."

"For the past eight years," says Corey Pearson of The Diplomats, "we have had the honor to have what we believe is one of the finest bass singers to ever sing Gospel music. Joe has made many fans across the country, and his voice will be missed.

He's a dear friend and we'll miss having him as a part of our group. Our prayers are with him and his wife Debbie as they start a new journey in God's work."

SOUTHERN GOSPEL MAGAZINE CONGRATULATES HYRAM ANSLEY HOOKS FROM ALABAMA FOR BEING ONE OF OUR BIGGEST FANS! HE CALLED AND SAID HE READS IT COVER TO COVER MULTIPLE TIMES A MONTH...LOVES ALL THE NEWS!

The Hoskins Family Releases New Album A Gathering: The Hits Of Then and Now Waynesville, OH (January 23, 2014) Daywind Records of Nashville, TN is excited to announce a new CD by the Hoskins Family. They are known for their great family harmony and strong emotion expressed in their songs. The Hoskins Family is geared to have another chart busting album on their hands. Joyce Martin and Angie Hoskins have combined their creative talents to produce three new singles in this collectionThe album is titled A Gathering: The Hits Of Then and Now and released January 21, 2014. The songs on the album include the mega-hit that brought the Hoskins Family to prominence “Safe That Far” written by Kyla Rowland, the BMI Most Air-played Song Award “Places To Go, People To See” written by Gerald Crabb and chart topper “You Keep Loving Me” penned by Angie Hoskins.This CD has several other hit songs with which you will be familiar. A Gathering: The Hits Of Then and Now has delivered a top charting new song for The Hoskins Family, "Whenever I Hear His Name" written by Marty Funderburke which is #6 in the Singing News chart for March.. Lifeway and Family Christian stores are pushing the product as many other independent stores were excited to put the Hoskins Family back on the shelf.“God Is Big” is authored by Annie McRae and is an up beat, drive down the road with the windows down kind of song. It's performed by Angie and her 17 year old daughter Abigail with guest star Joyce Martin and sure to be a favorite.Lastly, “Endless Tomorrows”, also written by Marty Funderburke is a heart felt ballad with the true Hoskins Family sound.

Gospel Hour Radio Top 10 Chart For Feb. 2014 1) Brian Mace - Had It Not Been 2) Ty Hodges - That's What I'm Talking About 3) Highroad lll - Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus 4) Runaway Dixie - The Buryin' Ground 5) The Lesters - When I Thank Him For What He Has Done 6) Johnson Edition - I'm Just Getting Started 7) Marty Raybon - Im Working On The Building 8) Legacy Fine - Jericho Road 9) Lauren Talley - In Christ Alone 10) Fair Haven Quartet - Who Moved The Piano

Tribute Quartet Joins Daywind Family Hendersonville, TN (January 28, 2014) Daywind Records is pleased to announce the addition of Tribute Quartet to its roster of artists. Tribute is no stranger to Southern Gospel Music fans. The group was formed in 2006 by two former members of the Wilburns, Gary Casto and Josh Singletary. Those two are now joined on stage by tenor singer Riley Harrison Clark and bass singer Anthony Davis. The group received the Singing News Fan Award for Horizon Group of the Year in 2008. Their hit song, “Good News from Jerusalem” was nominated for the Singing News Fan Awards’ Song of the Year in 2013.

“Tribute Quartet is thrilled to be joining the Daywind family,” shared Gary Casto. “At this season in our ministry, after just celebrating our seventh year together, we are excited about the opportunity to work with this award-winning team as we continue to make great music for years to come.”

Added Josh Singletary, “It's exciting to watch an entity grow. Even more, a ministry. Tribute has seen a lot of growth over 7 years and each spurt has been a breath of fresh air. This is no exception. I am tickled to be a part of the Daywind family and anticipate a bright and productive future!”

The group has experienced some of its greatest success with its latest project, “Our Anthem.” Three of the songs on the project – “Good News from Jerusalem,” “Homesick Angel” and “God’s Gonna Send a Revival” – have experienced considerable success on the Singing News Magazine Top-80 Chart. “Good News from Jerusalem” was a No. 1 song in August of 2013 and was nominated for Song of the Year.

“Tribute has rapidly ascended to prominence in the Southern Gospel industry, and they are showing no signs of slowing down,” Daywind president Ed Leonard said. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with such young, enthusiastic men and look forward to having the group as part of our growing roster of artists for a long time to come.”

The group is picking songs for their inaugural Daywind release due out in 2014. For more information on Tribute Quartet, visit the group’s web site at tributequartet.com. The group is booked by the Harper Agency.

Daywind Records is home to great artists such as Brian Free and Assurance, Greater Vision, Karen Peck & New River and Legacy Five. Daywind is distributed to retail through New Day Christian Distributors, iTunes, Select O Hits and all major digital outlets. For more information, visit www.daywindrecords.com.

Prattville, AL (January 28, 2014) Renown songwriter Daryl K. Williams has been nominated for Songwriter of the Year (Artist) in the 2014 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards to be held April 15, 2014 at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. Daryl Williams is known for such great hits as “Singin' With The Saints”, “Promises One by One”, “I've Got Joy”, “Glory To God In The Highest”. “Jesus Saves”, and “Mountain Get Get Out Of My Way” just to name a few, placing him in the “Who's Who” bracket of songwriters. Daryl has sang with such groups as the Speer Family and the Daryl Williams Trio writing hits for every group he has been with.

Daryl stated “I am humbled to be considered for this award among the great songwriters who were also nominated. I am very thankful to my peers in the industry who nominated me.”

The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards are among the most prestigious awards in the Southern Gospel Music genre. The Awards were founded in 2002 by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com. The award nominations are chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and most of the winners are then chosen by the fans of the genre and readers of the site. In 2005 AGM started the Absolutely Gospel Music Award Celebration in which the top artists in the genre gather to literally celebrate each others accomplishments of the previous year.

You can learn more about Daryl Williams at https://www.facebook.com/ darylkwilliams .

Daryl is not only a great songwriter, but also sings with the Daryl Williams Trio as well as taking select solo dates. **** About Daryl Williams Daryl was born in the San Francisco Bay Area town of Burlingame, and grew up in San Jose California. His mother was active in Gospel Concert Promotions, and Daryl fell in love with Gospel Music at an early age. He remembers vividly spending time as a child with such Gospel legends as Doris Akers, Jake Hess and Vestal Goodman. It was at the age of 7 that Daryl decided he wanted to write his first song. There are now over 1,100 songs in his catalog. Daryl went on to study music at California State University, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Music.

From 1994 to 2008 Daryl traveled full time with his own ministry team, the Daryl Williams Trio. They recorded 10 CD’s and appeared on many Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concerts. They also appeared as regulars for 7 years on TBN’s Unfolding Majesty program with hosts Dean and Mary Brown.