2005

Ann Downing Releases New Single with Heritage Communications

Nashville, TN—Ann Downing, one of gospel music’s finest female soloists, has released a new single to radio through Heritage Communications on their Heritage Gold compilation disc for June 2005. The single, “He Already Knew Me” is the sophomore release from her latest project, “God Looking In” and was co-written by Downing and songwriting friend Daryl Williams.

About Jeff O’Neal and Heritage Communications, Ann says, “I’m excited to be working with Jeff! His reputation with the radio industry as well as with some of my artist friends is exceptional.”

Although Ann’s latest project contains nine songs co-written with some of the greatest songwriters in gospel music as well as the opportunity to sing a duet with her late husband Paul, “He Already Knew Me” is easily Ann’s favorite song from the album.

“Psalm 139 has become one of my favorite passages in the Bible,” Ann shares. “It was my husband Paul’s favorite and as I was journaling one morning, I began thinking how awesome it is that there has never been a time when God didn’t know me; that He knew me before I ever began searching for Him. Even then, He knew where I was the whole time.”

Ann recently added the song to her concert repertoire and audiences have responded enthusiastically to the message and performance of the song. She says, “It’s a comforting thing to me to be reminded in these uncertain days that He knows where this whole thing is going and has His plan already laid out for me. I think we all need to be reminded of that truth.”

After 42-years in gospel music and receiving various awards including a Dove Award and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Ann Downing continues to travel each weekend maintaining a full schedule of concerts and speaking engagements throughout the United States and Canada.

Ann is well-known for her regular appearances on the popular Gaither Homecoming Videos series.

For more information about Ann Downing, or to schedule an interview or request liners, send an email to or call 615-232-8571.

Victory Song Set To Release Debut Project

Sylvester, GA. Victory Song of Valdosta, GA are in the studio recording their debut project with Resting Place Music. Ricky Atkinson, president of Resting Place Music states, "Our label is about producing quality and high standards, and Victory Song has it. This trio has 3 great songwriters and its going to show on this recording. I’ve produced this great group for 2 years before they actually signed with the company, so I knew what we were getting and were glad to have them."

The new project from Victory Song will be available this fall and will be release on the Featherbed label, a division of Resting Place Music.

Fro more information about Victory Song log onto: http://www.restingplacemusic.com or http://www.victorysonggospel.com

The Kirklands Record Tracks

(Goodlettsville, TN) - The Kirklands, of Douglas, Georgia, were recently in the studio cutting tracks for their upcoming project on the MorningStar label, a division on the Eddie Crook Company.

Pictured are Janie, Leon and Regina of the Kirlands along with studio musicians Marty Shrabel, Eddie Crook, Jeremy Medkiff and Rob Tripp. Also pictured is Adrian Payne, studio engineer.

Projected street date for the new project is scheduled for Fall 2005.

http://www.kirklandsingers.com
http://www.eddiecrook.com

sglive365 Radio Announces SG Voice Productions

The folks at sglive365.com RADIO announced this week the launching of SG VOICE PRODUCTIONS. Chuck Peters says: "Our new company is dedicated to serving Southern Gospel Radio, Artists and Businesses." According to Peters, he will cater to the needs of the SG industry by providing professional level DJ liners, program intros and commercial production for radio, as well as spot advertising production to businesses that utilize SG radio. The company will also produce custom concert and product commercials that artists can use to promote their ministry on radio stations anywhere.

Peters adds that the DJ is the main reason SG VOICE PRODUCTIONS was created. "I spent nearly 30 years as a Southern Gospel DJ.. so I know what it means to have good quality liners that will enhance the sound of your station,.. for too long, quality radio production has not been affordable for most gospel stations.. we hope to change that." said Peters.

For more information visit http://www.sglive365.com/sgvoice.html

Gordon Mote Enters Into Distribution Agreement with New Day

RSI Music Group and Gordon Mote have entered into a distribution agreement with New Day Distributors. Gordon’s single “I Catch ‘Em, God Cleans ‘Em”, from the CD "There's No Place That Love Can't Reach" has hit radio stations nationwide. CD soundtracks will soon be available through New Day as well.

Blind from birth, Gordon Mote has achieved much in his 34 years. He began playing the piano at the age of three. Gordon was one of the first blind students in the country to mainstream into the public school system. He received a full music scholarship to Jacksonville State University in Alabama where he attended three years. He then transferred to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee where he graduated cum laude with a degree in music.

Two days after graduating from Belmont, he was hired as a keyboard player and background vocalist for Grammy award winning artist Lee Greenwood. Since then he has traveled with such great artists as Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood, as well as appearing as a regular with Porter Wagoner on the Grand Ole Opry. Currently, he is considered one of Nashville's premier session players. You can hear him on albums by such acclaimed entertainers as Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Booth Brothers, Martina McBride, Randy Travis, The Gaither Vocal Band, and The Martins among many others.

Gordon, married for 12 years to Kimberly, is the proud father of two beautiful children, Samantha and Parker. They attend church at St. Paul Southern Methodist Church in Nashville, TN where Gordon currently leads praise and worship on Sunday mornings.

http://www.rsimusicgroup.com
http://www.gordonmote.com

New Joy Finishing Tracks for New Project

New Joy, based out of Gallipolis, OH, has just finished up the tracks for their new project. The group was at Harvest Gospel Studios this week in Huntington, WV, and will be returning in the very near future to complete the vocals.

For more information on the group visit our new website at, http://www.newjoy.us, or call our office at 1-877-755-1117.

Jeremy Ostrander Records Live Comedy CD

(Goodlettsville, TN) - Jeremy Ostrander, son of Big Mo and Sharon Ostrander, recently recorded a live comedy CD that will be released very soon. The recording took place at various locations including Indianapolis, Indiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Springfield Illinois and other cities across the nation.

Jeremy has been nominated for "Christian Comedian of the Year" in the annual Diamond Awards to be presented at the National Quartet Convention in September in Louisville, Kentucky.

On the CD, Jeremy will feature great Christian comedy including voice imitations of very famous people, good clean humor, as well as some really funny stories about his Dad.

A projected release date is late Summer 2005. This will be Jeremy's debut recording. Jeremy also plays percussion for his Dad’s concerts, he has surrendered to the call to ministry, and has ministered at several youth meetings as well as revival services his family has conducted.

Jeremy often does a comedy stand up routine at many of Big Mo’s concerts. Read and learn more about Jeremy's ministry, as well as his comedy at the ministry website at http://www.bigmoministries.com and click on "Jeremy's page”.

http://www.bigmoministries.com
http://www.eddiecrook.com

History of SG To Be Topic On National Talk Show

WASHINGTON, DC – Gospel music will be the topic on national radio as Mark Ward, author of “Music in the Air: The Golden Age of Gospel Radio,” will be a featured guest Thursday, June 30, on the “Janet Parshall’s America” syndicated talk show. Originating from the Nation’s Capital, the program is distributed by the Salem Radio Network to more than 100 stations nationwide.

“Music in the Air” details the stories of yesteryear's great radio quartets, classic gospel songwriters, and pioneering radio preachers. Stories behind more than 100 gospel songs, written between the 1920s and 1950s, are told as “Music in the Air” chronicles the colorful history of Christian radio during its golden age.

Jeff and Sheri Easter Expecting a Girl

Congratulations to Jeff and Sheri Easter who found out today that they are indeed expecting a baby girl in October.

Jeff Collins Suffers Heart Attack

Arden, NC - Jeff Collins, an award-winning producer at Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing was rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home on Sunday night.

Jeff is now resting in a private room in the hospital after having received a stent placement. Crossroads and Jeff’s family again wishes to thank everyone for their support and continued prayers.

CrossWay Expands on Multiple Fronts

From Births to Ceremonies to Radio Hits, the Group Continues Growth and Momentum

RIPLEY, Miss.—June 28, 2005—Spring Hill recording artists CrossWay are experiencing growth these days, both personally and professionally. The group’s current hit single “Long Arm of Love,” from their This I Know recording, is currently nearing the top of the national radio charts. Featuring lead vocals from the group’s newest member Matt McFarland, “Long Arm of Love” is currently number one on SoGospelNews.com as well as on the U.S. Gospel News chart and is in the top 10 on The Singing News charts.

CrossWay has also recently garnered a top 30 hit at inspirational radio with the ballad “Unscarred,” which continues to climb the charts. This week, the song has been moved into heavy rotation at Dallas’s KCBI and is number one for the week at WGSL in Rockford, Ill.

“We performed in Texas recently and had a couple drive over three hours to come see us,” recalls the group’s baritone, Paul Smith. “They had not heard of us but heard ‘Unscarred’ on the radio and drove to see us. We are thrilled to have new audiences exposed to our music and appreciate the support we are getting at the inspirational stations.”

“Long Arm of Love” is the follow-up southern Gospel single to the group’s acclaimed hit “It Looks Like Love to Me,” also found on This I Know. “It Looks Like Love to Me” remained in the top 5 on The Singing News chart for four months and was number one on the Southern Gospel USA Countdown for 14 weeks.

The group had two songs—“It Looks Like Love to Me” and “Great and Awesome God”-- in the top five on the year-end top 40 for 2004, according to the Southern Gospel USA Countdown, with “It Looks Like Love to Me” holding the number one spot.

"With the song ‘Long Arm Of Love,’ Crossway has…found the winning combination of lyrics and production that fits!” described Gregg Hutchins, morning air personality and music director for the Solid Gospel Network, a division of Salem Communications. “This song IS CrossWay!”

On the personal front, bass vocalist Chris Weaver married Carla Quinn, of Vernon, Ala., on Saturday, June 11th. Group members Marty Hurt, McFarland and Smith served as groomsmen. The group, along with Weaver, sang an a cappella arrangement of “The Lord’s Prayer.” The new couple will make their home in Starkville, Miss.

Tenor Marty Hurt and his wife, Christy (who is the sister of Weaver), are expecting triplets in October. The couple, who have been married for seven years, are both overwhelmed and excited.

Fans of CrossWay regularly visit the group’s website to read the latest on the group’s e-Blog (web log) as each group member regularly posts group whereabouts and happenings.

Those “happenings” are on the rise. Described by Billboard Magazine as a group representing the future of southern Gospel music, CrossWay will perform around 175 dates this year, including their appearances alongside The Crabb Family and The McRaes on the Crabb Jam tour. The three groups recently graced the front of The Singing News cover and will end the tour with a Crabb Jam cruise near the end of the year.

CrossWay’s recordings are distributed by Word Distribution/WEA and digitally through EMI CMG Distribution. The group is booked by The Harper Agency. For further information, visit http://www.crosswayqt.com or http://www.springhillmusic.com

Tony McGee & New Covenant Visit Solid Gospel

Rogersville, TN - Singing News Magazine's Top 5 Nominee for 2005 Horizon Group of the Year, Tony McGee & New Covenant recently visited the Solid Gospel Radio Network in Nashville, TN to record interviews about their current radio release, "I Have No Doubt." Tony, Karen & Shane of New Covenant talked about the formation of the group and how God put them together. They also shared some personal testimonies and their thoughts about the new single.

The interviews are currently being ran on Solid Gospel and will continue for the next few weeks and will be heard throughout the day on the network. For information on Solid Gospel affiliates and for the promotion on Tony McGee & New Covenant on Solid Gospel go to http://www.solidgospel.com where you can also hear sound clips from the new project, "Somebody Prayed."

Tony McGee & New Covenant began traveling in August of 2004 and since their formation the group has had two charting singles from their current project, "Somebody Prayed." Their debut single, "On The Third Day," reached #44 on the Singing News Top 80 Chart and their current hit, "I Have No Doubt" is #25 and climbing. "We are thrilled with the response of this song. We had no idea what the song would do when we decided to send it out. We knew that WE were blessed by the message and we just hoped that people would be excited about it too," said Tony McGee.

Tony McGee & New Covenant is the host group for the WMCH Radio annual concerts that are held in East Tennessee. The singings are held each spring, summer and fall with the summer concert being held on Saturday, July 9th and features the group along with the Whisnants, Mark Bishop and Living Waters Trio. For more information, you can log onto http://www.wmch.us.

You can find out much more about Tony McGee & New Covenant by checking out their website, http://www.tonymcgeeandnewcovenant.com

New Joy: Familiar Faces, New Sound

GALLIPOLIS, OH (Special Release) – A new mixed trio has been formed and will be introducing itself to the Southern Gospel Music Industry very soon. Rose Fisher of Winfield, WV, Travis McCracken of Charleston, WV, and Willie Church of Gallipolis, OH, are pleased to announce the newly formed trio, New Joy. Willie Church, who will be handling the management of the group, says, “With guidance from our Lord we have combined three very powerful voices from our area for New Joy. All three of us have been singing for years. Each of us has come from respected groups in our area to form a more ministry minded group. In addition to our scheduled church and concert dates we will be singing and speaking for youth camps and prisons across the Eastern US. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and song while promoting the greatest music in the world, Southern Gospel. We are very excited about the future of New Joy.”

More plans and details will be announced as they become available, such as office information, booking agency and the release of the group’s first radio single. New Joy can be reached via e-mail at , and the group has a web site at http://www.newjoy.us.

Pastor Larry Clifton of the First Baptist Church of Burnsville adds, “The concert New Joy held at our church was one of the best gospel concerts I have ever attended. From the opening song I was blessed. I would recommend New Joy to anyone seeking a spirit filled and talented group of singers. New Joy will be back.”

New Joy began touring in April 2005. The group’s first local appearance was at First Baptist of Burnsville on Sunday, April 17th. For more information on the group, you can call Willie and New Joy toll free at 1-877-755-1117 or visit our new website at http://www.newjoy.us

Crabb Family and Special Guests CrossWay and McRaes Comprise Crabb Jam ’05 Performances

Crabb Jam ’05 Plays a Select Tour of 20 Cities

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—May 31, 2005—GRAMMY-nominated and DOVE Award-winning artists The Crabb Family, along with special guests CrossWay and The McRaes, have launched a 20-city Crabb Jam ’05 tour, taking place nationwide over the course of 2005.

The Crabb Family, CrossWay and The McRaes are scheduled to perform in select cities in 15 states. The debut concert, which garnered a sellout audience at the Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tenn, was followed by a performance in Charlotte, NC. Other cities will include Huntington, W Va.; Winchester, Va.; Owensboro, Ky; and Mobile, Ala., among others. Crabb Jam ’05 launches in the midst of what is becoming a landmark year for this veteran group and extends the support of their current acclaimed album Driven.

“Our roots are in the southern Gospel musical style, and we look forward to exposing more young people to that,” stated Kelly Bowling, of The Crabb Family, “but we’ll also bring a variety of music to the audience. There are hints of soul, country influences and traditional southern Gospel with a progressive edge. You never know what you’ll hear, but the message will be the same.”

Sponsored by WorldVision in association with Spring Hill Music Group and Daywind Records, Crabb Jam ‘05 features all of the artists performing on stage individually as well as together, backed by The Crabb Family Band. Numbers will include unique vocal collaborations, allowing the performers of each group to sing alongside each other in various combinations. The event includes a time of audience interaction that features a “stump the band” selection of songs requested by the audience.

“The idea for this event began when Kathy Crabb and I discussed our desire to see some of today’s brightest new talents exposed to greater audiences,” stated Brian Hudson, of Showcase Management. “CrossWay and The McRaes are making an impact; and with greater exposure, we believe their potential is tremendous and the future of a genre is secure.”

“This is one of the most unique and exciting southern Gospel events I have been to,” stated Spring Hill Manager of Communications and Strategic Marketing Celeste Winstead. “Nearly all of the artists are under the age of 30, which is not your everyday scenario in a genre steeped rich in history. The musical productions of these artists’ albums reflect that uplifting heritage while incorporating their own unique styles as well. There is creative energy and synergy between these groups on stage that is both musically entertaining and inspiring.”

The Crabb Family, CrossWay and The McRaes were featured prominently in Billboard Magazine in an article highlighting the growth of younger acts in the southern Gospel music field.

Templeton Tours is extending the Crabb Jam experience by hosting a Crabb Jam cruise in November 2005. Passengers can travel to the Bahamas on an all-inclusive cruise with four nights and five days packed with music and devotion from the Crabb Family, CrossWay, the McRaes and the Crabb Family Band.

For further information regarding Crabb Jam ’05, contact Brian Hudson, of Showcase Management, at 704-293-4447 or . The recorded products of The Crabb Family, CrossWay and The McRaes are distributed by Word Entertainment/WEA and New Day Christian Distributors. For further information regarding these artists, visit http://www.thecrabbfamily.com , http://www.crosswayqt.com , http://www.annieandkellymcrae.com.

Wayne Williford and Good News Complete Vocals

(Goodlettsville, TN) – Wayne Williford and Good News were in the studio this past weekend completing vocals on their recording with the Eddie Crook Company and the MorningStar label.

Street date for the new album is scheduled for Fall 2005.

http://www.waynewillifordandgoodnews.org
http://www.eddiecrook.com

SGM Radio Selected To Air SGM FanFair/US Gospel News Fan Awards

SEATTLE , WA – SGM Radio is happy to announce it will be exclusively airing the inaugural SGM FanFair/US Gospel News Fan Awards on their internet radio network.

Rob Patz, President of Coastal Media Group which owns SGM Radio says, "When I first heard of the SGM FanFair, I knew SGM Radio needed to be part of this historical southern gospel music event. At SGM Radio, 2005 has brought many changes and we hope to make this awards show the cornerstone of what we are building for our network and to bring new exciting programming to our listeners."

"Rob has been enthusiastic about SGM FanFair from the beginning. I am thrilled about SGM Radio network airing the awards show, and I look forward to a lasting relationship with the network" states Randall Wilds.

"The SGM Radio Network is one of the finest internet radio networks with a huge listening audience. We appreciate Rob and his team for their positive efforts towards Fanfair" said Paul Boden.

The anticipation of the thrilling moment when the winners are announced will be felt by the SGM Radio listening audience. They will be transported via the internet to join with others as the applause is heard and remarks are made.

Join us at SGM Radio when we present the SGM FanFair/US Gospel News Fan Awards
http://www.sgmradio.com

Tori Gay Sends Out Debut Single to Southern Gospel Radio

Tori Gay Sends Out Debut Single to Southern Gospel Radio

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Tori Gay, one of Mississippi’s up and coming soloists, is proud to announce the release of her debut single. “The Church Will Prevail” was chosen as Tori’s first ever national release to Southern Gospel radio.

“The Church Will Prevail” can be found on her debut album, All In His Time. All In His Time was released by the Eddie Crook Company. “The Church Will Prevail” can be found on the Eddie Crook Music Sampler, Volume 0405, Cut #10.

“I am just overwhelmed that I can even say I have a radio release!” responded Tori. “Believe it or not, I had no idea that ‘The Church Will Prevail’ was going to be chosen. The great thing was that this is the song that I would have picked. I think that people will really enjoy this song. ‘The Church Will Prevail’ is an upbeat song that can really get the toe-tapping started. It also has a great message - when everything seems to be going wrong, whether personally or in the world around you, there's hope in the knowledge that, in the end, the church really will prevail.”

In addition to the release of her new album and radio single, Tori recently signed with Southern Spin Entertainment for a full year of publicity from the company.

Tori is currently scheduled to perform at the Southern Spin Showcase at the National Quartet Convention in September. More information on the showcase will be forthcoming.

For more information on Tori Gay, please visit http://torigay.com .

About Tori Gay
Tori Gay is based out of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She just recently released her solo album All In His Time with the Eddie Crook Company. Her debut single, “The Church Will Prevail” was just released to radio.

About Southern Spin Entertainment
Southern Spin Entertainment is one of four divisions of the conglomerate SSE Group. Southern Spin Entertainment focuses on publicity and marketing for Southern and Country Gospel artists. Clients currently represented by Southern Spin Entertainment are Johnny Minick, Hope’s Call, SouthernGospelNews.com, Three Hills Music Group, HisSong, Christlike, Jonathan White, Sondra Burnett, the Bowlings, Embrace, Sharron Kay King, Steve Hurst School of Music, Everlasting Hope, The Pathfinders, the Quicks, Crystal River, VoiceFull Praise Ministries, Daniel Ray Ministries, The Royals, Master’s Voice, The Heirborn Quartet, John Keaton, Kymberly Brown Wooten & Cross’N Over, Justin Endicott, the Cerces, Jamie Carter, Tori Gay, and Sunday Edition.

For more information on Southern Spin Entertainment, go to http://www.southernspin.com .

SSE Group’s four divisions include Southern Spin Entertainment, SSE Design Group, Southern Spin Artist Direction, and Southern Spin Radio. SSE Group currently owns and operates Glorious Creations, SGBlogNews.com, GospelMusings.com, and WorldofCM.com.

For more information on SSE Group, go to http://www.ssegrouponline.com.

The Uttermost Parts of the Earth

“…ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b, KJV)

Christlike recently received an e-mail from Nani Vontade in Angola:

Weylin Bohannan, THANKS FOR THE CD JOURNEY
Hi,
God is Good All the time. Once again I write to you, our choir wants to sing HERE I AM AGAIN, but I cannot find the lyric.
Thanks, Nani Vontade

And the reply was sent:
Hello Nani, I would be so honored to have your choir sing our song “Here I Am Again!” The song has ministered to many lives here in the United States and it is awesome to know that the message in the song will be spread in Africa through your ministry as well. WOW!! I will be sending you the lyrics via email. You are in our prayers daily, and I know God’s blessings will be upon you for your labor of love. Blessings, Weylin/ Christlike

“We are so blessed to have the opportunity to follow the commandment of our Lord.” said Weylin.

Christlike’s current single, “Here I Am Again,” has climbed to the number 34 spot on the Singing News Top 80. God is using this song to touch lives literally all over the world. Call and request it today.

For more information about Christlike, log on to christlikeonline.com or familymusicgroup.com

Crabb Jam Gears Up For Independence Day And Crabbfest ‘05

The Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park will host a festive Independence Day Crabb Jam beginning at 5 pm. The evening will feature performances by the Crabb Family, the McRaes, Crossway, and special guest Mike Bowling. The artists will join their hearts and their music to let freedom ring in Bean Blossom, Indiana. Completing the event will be a special fireworks celebration. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music, worship, food, fireworks and much more.

Just a few days later music will fill the air in Owensboro, Kentucky as more than 20 performers and an estimated 10,000 gospel music lovers make their way to the fifth annual Kentucky CrabbFest. Nightly concerts will feature CrabbFest favorites such as the Crabb Family, Mike Bowling, the Dove Brothers, Michael English, the Gospel Enforcers, Aaron Wilburn, the Hoskins Family, Karen Peck & New River, Gold City, the Isaacs, the Hoppers, the McRaes, and more. CrabbFest will also welcome first-timers Crossway, Paid In Full, the Jody Brown Indian Family, Lynda Randle, Russ Taff, and Avalon. Nightly concerts begin at 7 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and 6 pm on Saturday. Mornings begin with worship services and afternoons are filled with Showcases, a Talent Contest and much more.

For more information on Kentucky CrabbFest, log onto http://www.thecrabbfamily.com or call (270) 274-9900. For tickets or more information on the Independence Day Crabb Jam, log onto http://www.beanblossom.com or call (800) 414-4677

Perfect Grace Complete Vocals

(Goodlettsville, TN) – Perfect Grace, of Quitman, Georgia was recently in the studios completing vocals for their upcoming MorningStar/Signature album due to release in the Fall of 2005.

Pictured are Willis Anderson, Dana Bennett and Billy Griffith of Perfect Grace along with the legendary Eddie Crook.

http://www.eddiecrook.com

Two Weeks Left To Vote In 2005 Diamond Awards

Thousands of ballots have already come in for the third and final round of balloting for the 2005 Diamond Awards. The Diamond Awards are quickly turning into an international event. Ballots are still arriving from around the world. They are coming in from Canada, Israel, Australia, Norway, Brazil, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, Burmuda, Germany, Great Britian, Croatia, Uganda, Ireland, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and New Zealand. This round of balloting will select the winners of the 2005 Diamond Awards, and there are only two (2) weeks left to vote..

The 2005 SGN SCOOPS DIAMOND AWARDS is being sponsored this year by LAMP MUSIC GROUP, and The Diamond Awards Presentation Ceremony will take place on Friday, September 16th at the EXECUTIVE WEST HOTEL at the entrance of the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, KY, during NQC Week. The Diamond Awards will start at 1:00 PM in the Scot Room.

Listed below are the Top 5 FINALISTS for the 2005 Diamond Awards.

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD: Ann Downing, Chris Freeman, Ronnie Hinson, Connie Hopper, and Eva Mae LeFevre.

GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Crabb Family, The Freemans, Gaither Vocal Band, The Hoppers, and The Hoskins Family.

TRIO OF THE YEAR: Greater Vision, HisSong, Karen Peck & New River, The Talley Trio, and Testify.

DUET OF THE YEAR: Amazed, The Goldens, Tim & Mary Alice Lovelace, the McRaes, and Young Harmony.

SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: Big Mo, Mark Bishop, Mike Bowling, Ivan Parker, and Janet Paschal.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Jason Crabb of The Crabb Family, Brian Free of Brian Free & Assurance, Jim Mahalick of The Hoskins Family, Guy Penrod of the Gaither Vocal Band, and Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Sheri Easter of Jeff & Sheri Easter, Chris Freeman of The Freemans, Kim Hopper of The Hoppers, Karen Peck Gooch of Karen Peck & New River, and Lauren Talley of The Talley Trio.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Mark Bishop, Gerald Crabb, Rodney Griffin, Milton "Big MO" Ostrander, and Kyla Rowland.

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: Roger Bennett, Anthony Burger, Channing Eleton, Andrew Ishee, and Sonya Isaacs, .

CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR: Tim Lovelace, Mark Lowry, Randy Miller, Jeremy Ostrander, and Aaron Wilburn.

BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: The Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Lewis Family, New Found Road, and Primitive Quartet.

SUNRISE AWARD: The Dunaways, The Duvalls, Mercy's Mark Quartet, River City Quartet, and Sounds Of Victory.

FAVORITE ARTIST/INDUSTRY WEBSITE:
Anthony Burger - http://www.anthonyburger.com
The Crabb Family - http://www.thecrabbfamily.com
Legacy Five - http://www.legacyfive.com
Singing News Magazine - http://www.singingnews.com
SoGospelNews.com - http://www.sogospelnews.com

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Live In New York City - Brian Free & Assurance, Masterpiece & More - Anthony Burger, Crabbfest Live 2003 - The Crabb Family, Walk The Talk - Gold City, and Best Of The Isaacs - The Isaacs.

SONG OF THE YEAR: He Came Looking For Me - The Crabb Family, Jerusalem - The Hoppers, I Will Find You Again - The Perrys, His Life For Mine - The Talley Trio, Even In The Valley - The Whisnants,

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Driven - The Crabb Family, Faces - Greater Vision, Traveling On - The McRAes, Life Of Love - The Perrys, The Message - Talley Trio.

THE TOP 5 ONLINE BALLOT and THE TOP 5 PRINTED (PDF) BALLOT IS NOW AVAILABLE AT: http://www.sgnscoops.com

Those wishing to vote on the Top 5 Ballot for The 2005 DIAMOND AWARDS may go to the SGN SCOOPS MAGAZINE WEB SITE. It is located at:
http://www.sgnscoops.com. you will find a pdf ballot there, as well as an online Ballot Voters are asked to vote for ONE in each category. only one ballot, PRINTED or ONLINE per person. ALL DUPLICATE BALLOTS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

Ballots may be mailed to: THE DIAMOND AWARDS, P.O. Box 222, Cadet, MO 63630; or you may vote online at: http://www.sgnscoops.com.

ALL TOP 5 BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE SGN SCOOPS OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JULY 8th, 2005.

Co-Sponsors for the 2005 Diamond Awards are: Soloist Quintin McGinnis, The Bedford Bible Bookstore, Sons Of The Father (Artists), Gateway Music Group, Wilds & Associates, Soloist Loretta Withee, Music Evangelist Angel Christ, HisSong Ministries, and 770AM Southern Gospel - Kentucky's Official Voice Of The National Quartet Convention.

Oak Ridge Boys Announce “Let Freedom Sing” Television Special to Air Over 4th of July Week

Oaks Perform Songs from Patriotic COLORS CD in Conjunction with Feed the Children Special

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.-June 23, 2005-Country and Gospel music legends The Oak Ridge Boys will be featured on a television special entitled "Let Freedom Sing" during the week of July 4th in conjunction with the international relief organization Feed the Children.

"Let Freedom Sing" will showcase performance numbers from the award-winning quartet's Colors CD (Spring Hill Music). Featured songs will include "American Made," "G.I. Joe and Lillie," "This Is America" and "Write Your Name Across My Heart," a song captured on their From the Heart recording (Spring Hill Music). The performances, produced and directed by Sherman Halsey, were taped before a live audience in Branson, Missouri's Grand Palace Theatre.

The Oak Ridge Boys received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group, With Vocal for the title cut of the Colors release, and the recording received a nomination for Country Album of the Year at the Gospel Music Association's DOVE Awards. According to Oaks' member Joe Bonsall, the project was a musical reflection of the group's love for Middle America and the U.S. military.

The Oak Ridge Boys are currently being honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame with an exhibit entitled The Oak Ridge Boys: Thirty Years in the Mainstream, 1975-2005. The display, which includes a special tribute section celebrating the group's Gospel successes over the years, will be up through November.

The group is currently promoting its May release Common Thread (Spring Hil Music), an all-new recording of Gospel songs that incorporates re-recorded classic hits from the group and recent Gospel selections with brand new material as well. In addition, the group continues to represent the National Anthem Project as the effort's national musical ambassadors. The
project was designed by the MENC: The National Association for Music Education as a means of re-educating our society about our national anthem, its history, lyrics and significance.

Common Thread and the group's recent releases, including their country-driven project The Journey (Spring Hill Music), are distributed by Word Entertainment/WEA with digital distribution by EMI CMG Distribution. The Oak Ridge Boys are booked by The William Morris Agency and managed by The Jim Halsey Company. For further information, visit http://www.oakridgeboys.com
or http://www.springhillmusic.com

David Phelps Update and Possible GVB Replacement

It has been reported that David Phelps is leaving the Gaither Vocal Band to pursue a solo career. His new solo album, Life is a Church, is slated for a September 27 release date.

According to a recent statement by Phelps, "I called up Bill about a month ago and asked if he would meet me at Starbucks to talk. I started to tell him and he finished my sentence for me. I guess he knew it was coming, too. Truth be told, I have been praying for whomever will take my place. It is never a fun transition. Bill was very gracious, of course, and has wished me well. We are all too close for it to be over…it will just be different."

Also, this past weekend, Birmingham, Alabama resident Wes Hampton sang the tenor part for the Gaither Vocal Band. Gaither apparently introduced Hampton as someone being "carefully considered" for the vacant spot with GVB.

According to internet research, Hampton is presently a worship leader with The Church At Brook Hills in Birmingham.

(Thanks to SGLive Show Prep for the information)

SGMA Hall Of Fame Legend, Bill Shaw, re-unites with the Blackwood Brothers on stage at the Black Bea

18 June 2005, Pigeon Forge, TN – Bill Shaw, a true legend of Gospel Music, gave a surprise performance during the Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show Saturday Morning, June 18, 2005. Shaw joined Ron and R.W. Blackwood, Jr. on stage and shared some fond memories before wowing the audience with two special songs.

At the age of 81, his tenor voice is still strong and clear. Sharing the stage with Ron, R.W., Donna, and Shelley Blackwood, Paul Hyde, and Royce Taylor, Shaw sang two of the standards in Gospel music, “Feeling Mighty Fine” and “Stranger of Galilee.”

When asked about his relationship with Ron and R.W., Jr., Shaw said, “I am real proud of these guys. Their show is like Gospel music gone to Hollywood!”

Bill Shaw joined the Blackwood Brothers in September of 1952 after being approached by RW Blackwood, Sr. who was managing the group at the time. Shaw had been singing with an unknown group for only 6 months prior to being spotted by the late Mr. Blackwood.

Shaw spoke of his discovery by the Blackwoods, “It was like going from the minor leagues to the majors in six months!”

In June of 1954, The Blackwood Brothers (with RW Blackwood, SR., James Blackwood, Bill Lyles, and Bill Shaw), set a musical precedence by becoming the first group ever to perform Gospel music on network television. Their performance on the popular CBS broadcast, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” took the Blackwoods, and Gospel music to heights they had never previously seen. Two weeks following the appearance on nationwide television, RW Blackwood, Sr. and Bill Lyles were killed in a plane crash.

During the special Father’s Day show, Ron and R.W. asked Bill what it had been like to sing with their dad who had passed away when they were only young boys. Shaw said, “RW was a singer like no other, he had an amazing range, and loved everything about the music. I loved singing with him.”

Ron, R.W., Donna and Shelley Blackwood are devoted to honoring the memory of the original Blackwood Brothers and many of the other legendary groups who sacrificed to make Gospel Music the wonderful part of Americana that it is today. The Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show occurs Tuesday through Saturday at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater. A wonderful country breakfast is served at 8:30 am, and the pre-show starts at 9:00. Call 865-908-7469 (908-SHOW) for reservations.

Salem’s 94FM The Fish(TM) and Solid Gospel 105FM Nashville Raise $20,000 for Mercy Children’s Clinic

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 24, 2005 -- Salem Music Network's Nashville stations, 94FM The Fish(TM) and Solid Gospel 105FM, joined forces yesterday to raise over $20,000 for Mercy Children's Clinic. The monies were donated by listeners to the stations during an on-air "Care-A-Thon", which concluded the stations' "Month of Mercy" push highlighting the work and needs of Mercy Children's Clinic. Mercy Children's Clinic is a middle Tennessee based, non-profit, pediatric healthcare ministry providing primary healthcare to children without health insurance coverage. Listeners in over 50 communities made donations during the event.

The stations' thirteen hour Care-A-Thon presented testimonies from parents, nurses, doctors and volunteers about the thousands of children who have received much needed medical care at the clinic. Members of the contemporary Christian music bands Tree 63 and Jars of Clay also shared on-air how their own children have been cared for at Mercy Children's Clinic. Franklin, Tennessee Mayor Tom Miller also made live in-studio appearances on both stations.

"It was truly a team effort," said Michael S. Miller, General Manager of the stations. "Prominent people in the communities we serve along with our listeners and every one of our on-air staff really got behind this ministry and really stepped to the plate to help further the important work of Mercy Children's Clinic."

94FM The Fish(TM) and Solid Gospel 105FM are operated by the Nashville-based Salem Music Network whose programming reaches more than 2 million weekly listeners nationwide. Along with these radio stations, Salem Music Network also operates three nationally-syndicated music networks including Today's Christian Music(TM), Solid Gospel(TM), and The Word in Praise(TM).

Crossroads Signs The Crist Family

Arden, NC - A journey across the country from Seattle, WA to Maynardville, TN was worth the trip for The Crist Family, the newest artist to join the Crossroads label. Chris White, Crossroads executive, observed the following about the family’s relocation, “It was more like a jump off a cliff than a leap of faith!”

The Crist Family tells the story of their journey to a surrendered life in their debut Crossroads project, “Worth The Trip,” which is scheduled for release on August 16th.

Jeff Collins, the award-winning producer who worked on the project commented on Crossroad’s highly unusual decision to sign a virtually unknown artist saying, “Everyone in the studio fell in love with this family. We truly believe God has His hand on their ministry and we acted accordingly.”

Mickey Gamble, Executive Producer of the project remarks, “This is a very good, fun, first recording with a great message.The Crist Family poured their hearts into the project and we are very excited to see what the future holds for them.They're a great addition to the Crossroads family of artists.”

The Crist Family is comprised of Tami Crist Starkel (Female Lead & Group Soprano), Rich Crist Jr. (Male Lead & Group Tenor), Lisa Crist (Alto), Breana Crist (Alto), Jackie Crist (Soprano), John Starkel (Baritone), Tom Joyce (Bass) and Gail Joyce (Group Administrator).

The first single “It’s Been A Journey” was written by award-winning songwriter, Sandy Knight, and is scheduled to ship on the Crossroads July 2005 Airplay Sampler. Group member Rich Crist Jr. said, “Our prayers for the ministry have been answered in a way that only God could do. Our hope is that God will use this project to encourage others in their journey to live for Him. For us, surrendering our lives has made all the difference and it has definitely been "Worth The Trip!”

For more information about The Crist Family please visit: http://www.cristfamily.com , http://www.kawalagency.com or the Crossroads website at http://www.crossroadsmusic.com

The Rudds Complete Vocals

(Goodlettsville, TN) – The Rudds, of Portage, Indiana, were recently in the studios completing vocals for their upcoming MorningStar album due to release in late Summer 2005.

Pictured are Rodney, Naomi, Amy and Jim of the Rudds along with Eddie Crook of the Eddie Crook Company.

http://www.therudds.com
http://www.eddiecrook.com

Martins and Buddy Greene Team Up for Special Guest Appearance

Martins Make First Appearance While Off the Road at Nashville Venue

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—June 23, 2005--Spring Hill recording artists Buddy Greene and The Martins appeared recently at Gospel group Legacy Five’s annual homecoming event at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

Greene sang and played guitar and harmonica, along with a two-piece band featuring keys and stand-up bass. He performed songs from his current Hymns & Prayer Songs recording (Spring Hill Music), as well as the classic “Mary, Did You Know,” which he co-wrote with singer/songwriter/comedian Mark Lowry, and his famous rendition of the “William Tell Overture.” Greene, acclaimed for his acoustic sensibilities and unique country/bluegrass-tinged twists, ended his set by bringing up industry veterans and longtime friends The Martins, who performed with him the hymn “Jesus, I Am Resting,” a rendition arranged by Greene that The Martins featured on their Glorify, Edify, Testify recording (Spring Hill).

The Martins, who have not been traveling for over a year, gave this special performance to rigorous enthusiasm and applause from the crowd. The group began their set with an a cappella rendition of their classic “River Medley” and performed such favorites as “Wherever You Are,” “So High,” “Because God’s Good” and of course, their signature rendition of “The Doxology” that brought the crowd to its feet.

The group recently compiled the new DECADE project (Spring Hill Music), a celebration of 10 years of Martins’ favorites, that will hit shelves on June 28th. The project features “Out of His Great Love,” “Only God Knows,” “Grace,” “Heaven’s Child,” “Come on In” and others, including previously unreleased material as well.

Both Greene and The Martins are featured regularly on the best-selling Gaither Homecoming stages and videos. Greene is widely acclaimed and respected by the musician and songwriting communities for his instrumental and writing prowess, and his performance venues range from traditional church and concert appearances to national bluegrass arenas.

The Martins have defied musical boundaries throughout their careers, gaining success in traditional Gospel households and country circles as well as the contemporary Christian marketplace. The multi-Dove Award-winning and Grammy nominated trio, known for their impeccable harmonies, have become one of the most respected groups in the Gospel music community.

Both Hymns & Prayer Songs and DECADE are available through Word Distribution/WEA and digitally through EMI CMG Distribution. Greene is booked by The Ambassador Agency (615-370-4700); The Martins continue their time away from the road for now. For further information, visit http://www.springhillmusic.com

Jamie Farmer, Christlike on Gospel Hiway Top Ten list

The Gospel Hiway, a web-based Southern Gospel Music and Ministry, shows Butler Music Group solo artist Jamie Farmer coming in at number ten on their latest chart with his current single release, “Livin’ for the Lord.” The song is the title cut from Jamie’s debut CD with BMG and it has gained a lot of attention from fans and radio since its release this spring.

Family Music Group artist Christlike is listed in the number six spot on the same chart with “Here I Am Again.” You can listen live at thegospelhiway.org

Jamie, who makes his home in McDonough, Ga., grew up singing harmonies with his family, joining his father’s regional quartet, New Dawn, in 1997. During his tenure with this group, he became familiar with the traditional quartet styles. Jamie also spent a year with the group Exalted. After a year with that group, he felt that God’s will for him was to be in a solo ministry.
Christlike’s single, “Here I Am Again,” is the group’s second release from their newest CD, Journey.

Both Jamie and Christlike will be featured on a Saturday showcase during the SoGospelNews.com 6th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival. The showcase will be Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event will be at the River of Life Assembly of God Church, 596 Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna, Tenn.
To learn more about Jamie Farmer and his ministry, log on to ww.jamiefarmer.com. You can also find more information about Jamie and other BMG artists at http://www.butlermusicgroup.com. Christlike information can be found at http://www.familymusicgroup.com or by clicking on the FMG link when you visit the BMG site.

BMI Christian Music Awards

BMI CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS REVEAL “GLORY DEFINED” AS SONG OF THE YEAR; MARK HALL CROWNED TOP SONGWRITER FOUR SHARE PUBLISHER PRIZE

NASHVILLE, June 20, 2005 -- Performing rights organization BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most performed Christian songs during the BMI Christian Music Awards tonight, with highest honors reserved for Building 429’s “Glory Defined” as Song of the Year and Mark Hall as Songwriter of the Year.

Senior Vice President Phil Graham, Vice President Paul Corbin and Director Joyce Rice, of BMI’s Writer/Publisher Relations department, presented BMI Citations of Achievement to 22 songs in five categories: AC [Adult Contemporary], CHR [Christian Hit Radio], Contemporary/Traditional Gospel, Rock, and Southern Gospel.

Staged at the company’s Music Row offices, the ceremonies featured special performances by Casting Crowns, Dottie Peoples, Legacy Five and George Rowe for the crowd of 250 writers, artists, and executives.

Jim Cooper and Jason Roy won the BMI Crystal for Most Performed Christian Song of the Year as writers of “Glory Defined." Published by Dayspring Music LLC, “Glory Defined" was recorded by Building 429 on their debut album Space In Between Us (Word Records). Roy is front man/guitarist and Cooper is producer of the group. “Glory Defined” was recognized for AC and CHR airplay.

Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns, earned the title of BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year by collecting four BMI Citations of Achievement for writing “If We Are the Body” and “Who Am I,” each included in the AC and CHR categories. Both songs are from Casting Crowns’ self-titled, platinum debut (Beach Street/Reunion Records).

In addition to Roy and Cooper, songwriters collecting two Citations each were Aaron Sprinkle in the Rock category (“Rawkfist” and “Sea of Faces”) and AC-CHR winners Marc Byrd (“God of Wonders”), Kenny Greenberg (“More”) and Brendan Graham [IMRO] (“You Raise Me Up”).

Other 2005 BMI award-winning songwriter/artists were rockers Pillar, John Cooper of Skillet, Michael Tait & Chad Chapin of Tait and Thousand Foot Krutch; urban stars Fred Hammond and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson; and Southern Gospel voices Gerald Crabb, Wayne Haun, Annie McRae, and Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision.

The ceremony also announced Publisher of the Year, which was a four-way tie among Christian Taylor Music, Club Zoo Music, Inc., SWECS Music, and Songs of Greater Vision. The award is determined by the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs.

Club Zoo Music, Inc. (Franklin Miller and Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller, owners) and SWECS Music (Steven Curtis Chapman, owner) collected the honor for publishing the Casting Crowns hits “If We Are the Body” and “Who Am I.”

Two Southern Gospel companies also accepted the accolade: Christian Taylor Music (Dottie Miller, owner) with “I Wish I Could Have Been There,” “If It Had Not Been the Lord” and “Places To Go, People To See”; and Songs of Greater Vision (Greater Vision group members Rodney Griffin & Gerald Wolfe, owners) with “He Is To Me” and “Just Ask.”


Photos by Richard Crichton and Steve Lowry

Pictured Left to right:
#1 BMI's Phil Graham, Christian Taylor Music's Ed Leonard, BMI's Joyce Rice, Christian Taylor Music's Rick Shelton and Bubba Smith, BMI's Paul Corbin
#2 BMI's Joyce Rice, Christian Taylor Music's Rick Shelton, Wayne Haun, Christian Taylor Music's Bubba Smith, BMI's Paul Corbin
#3 Valerie Ruppe, Greg and Heather Day, Brenda Ruppe, BMI's Patsy Bradley
#4 Joe Beck, BMI's LuAnn Davidson
#5 Christian Taylor Music's Rick Shelton and Gerald Crabb
#6 BMI's Joyce Rice; Christian Taylor Music's Rick Shelton; Gerald Crabb; The Hoskins Family's Reva Hoskins, Angie Hoskins Alridge, Jim Mahalick and Rick Hoskins; Lehsem Songs' Jerry Michael; Christian Taylor Music's Bubba Smith; BMI's Paul Corbin

Jack Marshall Appears with Blackwood Brothers in Tennessee

22 June, 2005 Pigeon Forge, TN – Jack Marshall, world renowned pianist and Tuscaloosa businessman visited Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on Thursday where he made a very special appearance. Marshall performed on stage with Ron and R.W. Blackwood, Jr., the sons of founding Blackwood Brothers Quartet member, RW Blackwood, Sr., during the Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show at the multi-million dollar Black Bear Jamboree Theater. The crowd couldn’t get enough of him!

Marshall is known in Alabama for his many KFC franchises. However, this small, 75 year-old man has GIANT talent. Jack, or “Jackie,” Marshall is known as one of the greatest pianists that the music industry has ever known.

In the 1950’s Marshall joined the Grammy Award winning Blackwood Brothers Quartet. He accompanied the famous group during their precedence setting appearance on the popular CBS television broadcast, “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” That appearance in June of 1954 put the Blackwood Brothers and Jack Marshall on the map as they became the first Gospel group in history to appear on network television. Their song called, “Have You Talked to the Man Upstairs?”, which featured Mr. Marshall on the piano, hit the national recording charts, passing up pop and country songs of that time.

Thursday morning, Marshall accompanied Ron and R.W. Blackwood, Jr., their wives, Donna and Shelley Blackwood, bass singer, Paul Hyde, and tenor Royce Taylor as they sang some old familiar songs of faith. The Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show is a daily presentation of Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN featuring theatrical performances of Gospel favorites. For reservations call 865-908 SHOW (865-908-7469).

Dennis Gamble and Big Event Music Group Reach Agreement

Dennis Gamble Ministries has signed a marketing and booking agreement with Big Event Music Group from Springfield, Missouri.

Dennis Gamble has been on a journey to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting world, either through song or anointed preaching, since a young age. His desire to lead people to the saving grace of Christ, and a willingness to respond to Gods voice, have resulted in the birth of Dennis Gamble Ministries.

Dennis and his wife, Shannon, presently reside in the Springfield, Missouri area. Until recently, they were pastoring a church in Southwest Missouri and even sang for a short time with The Apostles Quartet of Little Rock, AR, but following Gods leading, have formed Dennis Gamble Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to Touching the World Through Jesus Christ. Dennis travels all over the country and shares his music, his message and his testimony of how God performed a miracle of healing for him.

He is presently working on a solo music project, and its truly an exciting time for Dennis Gamble Ministries.

If you are interested in booking Dennis for a concert or revival you can contact Big Event Music Group at 1-866-762-1346 or http://www.dennisgamble.org

The Blackwood Quartet Resurrected

The legendary Blackwood Brothers Quartet has been resurrected according to information
on their new website at:

http://www.blackwoodbrothers.com

Jimmy Blackwood, son of co-founder James Blackwood will be singing the lead and leading the new group. Jimmy sang with the "Brothers" from the late 1960s to the mid 1980s. Joining Jimmy will be Wayne Little - tenor, Brad White - baritone/piano, and Randy Byrd -bass.

Little, White, and Byrd were recently a part of the Blackwood Gospel Quartet with Jimmy's cousin Mark Blackwood. They have now joined Jimmy as the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Mark has continued the Blackwood Gospel Quartet with ex Melody Boy, Jonathan Sawrie and former Dove Brothers bass, Burman Porter filling in.

Mark Trammell Trio Completes Vocals

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.--The Mark Trammell Trio recently completed vocals for their brand new Daywind Records project, This Time, which is set to release in bookstores nationwide August 2005. This Time features selections penned by top Southern Gospel writers, including Kyla Rowland, Dianne Wilkinson, Rodney Griffin, Sandy Bloemer and Tommy Swindle, among others. Mark Trammell, along with Steve Mauldin produced the release.

The Mark Trammell Trio’s current single, “Stand and Praise The Lord,” is playing on radio stations worldwide.

For more information on the Mark Trammell Trio, visit http://www.dayindrecords.com or http://www.marktrammellministries.com

Three Bridges on Musical Flight to Salt Lake

Arden, NC - On a recent flight to Salt Lake City, Utah, Three Bridges met some fellow musicians on the same flight. Also on board were the members of some great country music bands. Joining Three Bridges onboard were Restless Heart, Little Texas and Highway 101.

Three Bridges performed at a weekend business convention in Salt Lake City with about 4000 in attendance at the famed Salt Palace then wrapped up the weekend with a concert at Valley View Baptist Church in Ogden, Utah on Sunday night. You can find more info about Three Bridges ministry and latest project “Believe” at http://www.threebridges.net

For booking info on Three Bridges contact: Michael Davis at the Dominion Agency at (910) 484-6996

Janice Crook Celebrates Birthday

(Goodlettsville, TN) – Happy Birthday wishes are extended to the first lady of the Eddie Crook Company, Mrs. Janice Crook.

Janice is celebrating her birthday today (June 23rd). Everyone wishes her blessings on this special day.

http://www.eddiecrook.com

Lamp Artists Complete North GA Radio Tour

Whitesburg, GA: Several Lamp artists have recently completed a north, GA Gospel Celebration Radio Tour visiting with staff DJ's from many stations throughout the North, GA region.

Co-ordinated by Rhonda Pillow, the trip was a tremendous blessing and an overwhelming success. She shares, "I know most of the DJ's through my radio service calls, but getting to meet them in person and hear the unique stories of how God is moving and the music is touching people in their different coverage areas is so awesome," Rhonda continues, "Being fulltime in the Gospel Industry for nearly 20 years now, we work so hard behind the scenes it definitely lifts our spirits to see where the rubber meets the road - with the music!"

Many Lamp artists participated in this event including well known Lamp personalities and some of the newer members of the Lamp Family.
Participating artists were: Nicole Watts Jenkins, The Diplomats, The Old Paths Trio, and GraceWay.

Future Radio touring events are coming in the near future and will be posted on http://www.lampmusic.com Special Thanks goes out to: Chris - WROM, Rome, GA / Herbert - WTTI, Dalton, GA / Trey - WJOC, Rossville, GA / Brian, WZOT, Rockmart, GA / Scott - WGMI, Bremen, GA

Any radio station that is interested in hosting a Lamp Celebration Radio tour event is encouraged to contact the Lamp offices as well.

For more information about this event and other happenings please visit:
http://www.lampmusic.com or call 800-905-LAMP

Rick Hendrix Hospitalized

Nashville, TN-Rick Hendrix of the Rick Hendrix Company will be undergoing heart tests and possible surgery in a few days. Hendrix was diagnosed with an enlarged heart last week, and a possible heart blockage.

"I don't feel we are looking at by-pass or anything, we really will not know until they get inside. He has been having trouble breathing and walking for several months," said Shane Jordan, President of Rick Hendrix Company.

Doctors attributes his declining health to the constant work schedules and personal losses over the past few years.

Jordan said,"The doctors are very familiar with Rick, if he has a stay in the hospital, he will be placed off the heart floor, and allowed cell phone access. Hendrix talks to his friends at radio 24/7, he will be up and around very soon."

Please remember Rick Hendrix in your prayers.

Visit http://www.rickhendrix.com

A Gospel Music Love Story

Durham, NC-A unique and wonderful love story is found in the July issue of the US Gospel News. The owners of the Durham, NC based female trio, Yielded, John and Karen Ghormley, share their story of how Southern Gospel Music and Southern Gospel Internet magazine, http://www.SoGospelNews.com , brought this unlikely couple together during the 2004 National Quartet Convention after years of being long distant friends and how they officially became husband and wife in January of th! is year. Written by Sandi Duncan-Clark, you can read this beautiful love story in the latest edition of the US Gospel News.

Mercy’s Mark To Appear On Dino Show

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.—Singing News Horizon Group of the Year nominee, Mercy’s Mark recently taped two television shows for the popular TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network) program The Dino Show. Garry, Anthony, Chris and Josh performed songs from their self-titled Daywind project, including their current single “His Response.” The quartet shared stories about growing up, their family and travels on the road.

The Dino Show featuring Mercy’s Mark is set to air the third week of July on TBN.

The Dino Show is a weekly music and interview formatted show hosted by Dino Kartsonakis and his co-host and wife Cheryl. The couple takes time out from their seasonal show in Branson, MO to tape the program. Recently, The Dino Show claimed the No. 2 Neilson rating for the entire TBN network. The Dino Show is currently shown in 200 countries.

For more information on Mercy’s Mark, visit http://www.mercysmarkquartet.com . For more information on The Dino Show and for show times, visit http://www.tbn.org

Bill Lawrence Lends Bass Vocal to Living Proof

(Murfreesboro, Tennessee) Living Proof Trio of Moulton, Alabama was recently in the studio finishing vocals for their new project. The album features many original songs and some favorite re-makes. Bill Lawrence of Gold City contributed his bass vocal on the Imperials classic, Sail On. Vocals were produced and engineered by award-winning producer Kevin Ward. The anticipated release date is late summer.

For more information on Living Proof visit http://www.livingprooftrio.com

Baby On The Way For Duvall Family

(Goodlettsville, TN) – Cross and Crown Artists Jeff & Amy Duvall, of the Duvalls from Trion, Georgia, are excited to announce that they are expecting their third child around the Christmas holidays.

“Our children are a very important part of our ministry,” states Jeff. “Everytime we take the stage we feel that it is important that our kids know there is a place for them. Lucas, Eli and baby three are our future.”

Notes of congratulations can be sent to: The Duvalls, P.O. Box 1136,
Trion, GA.

http://www.theduvallfamily.com
http://www.eddiecrook.com

Living Faith Selected for National Competition

Springfield, Mo. - Three Springfield area women will participate in a national competition for Christian music groups on the Inspiration Network. Laura Whisler, Margaret Szewczyk and Bridget Taylor - the southern gospel group Living Faith - will compete in Charlotte, N.C., during a show taped July 18-22 before live audiences.

Living Faith, selected from about 1,000 groups and artists for the competition similar to “Star Search,” is one of 64 finalists selected for the event judged by industry experts, each from different Christian genres.

Two other artists from Missouri - Lawrence Smith and Isaac Fields, both of Kansas City, are finalists for the competition.

The winner receives a national recording contract. The competition will be aired nationwide on INSP’s fall schedule.

Whisler, a native of Eureka, Missouri, is partner development manager for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. Szewczyk, a native of Euless, Texas, is human relations manager for Webco. Taylor, a native of Thomson, Georgia, is a gifted education teacher in the Nixa school district.

For more information, contact Laura Whisler at 417-496-1434 or Information also is available at http://www.livingourfaith.com or http://www.insp.com/cats2005

Dills to Air on Living Faith Television

Living Faith Television will air the Dills concert that was recorded live at Faith Fellowship in Wirtz, VA. This broadcast will reach viewers in the five state region of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia. The program will air on Thursday, June 30th and on Thursday, July 7th at 11:30 a.m. EST

For more information about the ministry of the Dills, please visit their website at http://www.thedills.net or by calling (731) 988-5046

Master’s Voice Renews Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment

Master’s Voice Renews Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment

BRISTOW, Okla. – Master’s Voice, the exciting up-and-coming trio based out of Bristow, Oklahoma, has just renewed their contract with SSE Group. The group has re-signed for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. The group will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization. The group’s website will also continue to be maintained and updated by SSE Design Group.

“Master’s Voice was one of the first artist’s that we ever signed when we opened this company,” said Amy Marie Unthank, Executive Director of SSE Group. “We are so excited that they have stuck with us. They are as much a part of the growth of this company as anyone else! We love these guys!”

Master’s Voice was one of the first independent artists to earn a Top 10 song on the SouthernGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart nearly four years ago. They released By Request, an album full of old standards and Southern Gospel classics redone in the signature style of Master’s Voice, last spring.

The group is currently scheduled to perform on the 6th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival on Saturday evening, July 30, 2005. This will be the group’s fourth appearance on the Fan Festival.

More information on Master’s Voice can be found at http://www.mastersvoice.com .

More information on Southern Spin Entertainment can be found at http://southernspin.com.

About Master’s Voice
Master’s Voice is going places in the Southern Gospel industry. They are such a young and enthusiastic group. They have a charge and energy on stage that is unmatched by many of today’s top groups. They have a distinction of being one of only a handful of independent artists to chart on the SouthernGospelNews.com weekly chart.

About Southern Spin Entertainment
Southern Spin Entertainment is one of four divisions of the conglomerate SSE Group. Southern Spin Entertainment focuses on publicity and marketing for Southern and Country Gospel artists. Clients currently represented by Southern Spin Entertainment are Johnny Minick, Hope’s Call, SouthernGospelNews.com, Three Hills Music Group, HisSong, Christlike, Jonathan White, Sondra Burnett, the Bowlings, Embrace, Steve Hurst School of Music, Everlasting Hope, The Pathfinders, the Quicks, Crystal River, Master's Voice, VoiceFull Praise Ministries, Daniel Ray Ministries, the Royals, The Heirborn Quartet, John Keaton, Kymberly Brown Wooten & Cross’N Over, Justin Endicott, the Cerces, Jamie Carter, Tori Gay, and Sunday Edition.

For more information on Southern Spin Entertainment, go to http://www.southernspin.com .

SSE Group’s four divisions include Southern Spin Entertainment, SSE Design Group, Southern Spin Artist Direction, and Southern Spin Radio. SSE Group currently owns and operates Glorious Creations, SGBlogNews.com, GospelMusings.com, and WorldofCM.com.

For more information on SSE Group, go to http://www.ssegrouponline.com.

The Couriers Welcome New Lead Singer

Easton, PA - The Couriers are pleased to announce the addition of Brett Scarem as their new lead singer! Brett was born and raised in Findley Lake, NY and is currently living in Niles, OH. with his wife Jennie. With over twenty years of singing and traveling, Brett has learned to rely on the Lord and give Him the praise and glory for his many blessings. You'll enjoy Brett's passion for God and love of people, which is evident as he takes the stage with The Couriers proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ!

The Couriers also have a re-vamped web site at http://www.thecouriers.com . Over the next couple of weeks, additional content and news will be posted on the site.

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