2005
November
Randy Lewis Resigns the Toney Brothers
Due to the needs of his family Randy Lewis, tenor for the Toney brothers has submitted his resignation and will be leaving the road indefinitely. Randy’s last date will be Sunday the 20th of November.Anyone interested in auditioning for this position can send a demo and resume including photo to The Toney Brothers 544 W. Main St pmb236 Gallatin, TN 37066. You can also contact the office at 615 / 451-4992 or via email at http://www.toneybrothers.com .
Lamp Music Group Artists Release Christmas Compilation
Lamp Music Group releases special Christmas variety compilation including several of Lamp's notable artists.The newly released project entitled, "O Come Let Us Adore Him" includes traditional Christmas songs as well as some new Southern Gospel Christmas songs. Participating artists are: The Old Paths Trio / The Relations Quartet / Sandy Glass / The Garner Family / Higher Hope / The Davis Family / The Stanleys / The Masters Quartet / and members of Hope's Journey. The Cd also includes a heart-warming instrumental rendition of "Oh Holy Night" by Eva Mae Lefevre's long-time pianist, Mark Fuller.
The Title for the project comes from a fresh new Choral arrangement by Lamp's Mike Pillow. The choral arrangement was uniquely arranged so that all the solos are being performed by a different participating artist.
The project is currently availabe for download as a free service of Lamp Music Radio distribution and has been shipped to radio.
For more information about this exciting new seasonal project and download instructions: http://www.lampmusic.com
Manna Quartet To Disband
Group Manager Paul Stearman has been struggling to keep the group in place since NQC and has not been able to fill the lead and bass positions with this very talented quartet. "This group was built out of the love for traditional Southern Gospel Quartet singing,” states Paul. “We love and respect the groups who are out there today working so hard to deliver the gospel through song but as we end this ministry we ask you to remember us in prayer as we seek God’s will in continuing to serve Him individually.”
The Eddie Crook Company thanks Paul Stearman and the Manna Quartet for their contribution to the Southern Gospel Industry.
http://www.mannaquartet.com
http://www.eddiecrook.com
Steve Ladd’s mother passes away
Gold City & Southern Spin Entertainment Reach Publicity Agreement
Since the group's formation some 25 years ago in the historical gold rush town of Dahlonega, Georgia, Gold City has consistently remained at the top of their field. Songs like "In My Robe of White," and "I Think I'll Read It Again" were immediate successes during the group's earliest years. Since then, number one plaques have continued to compete for shelf space with industry awards in the Gold City office. The group has won over 60 Singing News Fan Awards, released over 30 recordings, won the 1993 Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, and has been a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame since 1992.
SSE Group is a conglomerate that owns and operates four main divisions, which includes Southern Spin Entertainment. The company is owned by Amy Marie Unthank and Chris D. Unthank. The company currently represents over 40 artists, companies, and organizations in the Gospel music community – including the Dove Brothers Quartet, The Imperials, SouthernGospelNews.com, Hope’s Call, Johnny Minick, the Diamond Awards, Jonathan White, Embrace, Sondra Burnett, Ed Crawford & the Mystery Men Quartet, HisSong, Christlike, Crystal River, Sharron Kay King, Valor, and many more.
“The name Gold City really speaks for itself,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank, Executive Director of SSE Group. “To say that we are excited about working with one of Southern Gospel’s most prized groups would be an understatement. These guys have proven throughout the years that they are real deal. We are extremely blessed that they have chosen to work with us.”
“I’ve seen how much this company has grown over the last couple years and the work that they do,” mentioned Daniel Riley of Gold City. “They do good work, but most of all, we can see that they really believe in the artists they work with, no matter what level they are at in their ministry.”
Gold City is currently preparing for the follow-up to their critically acclaimed album First Class. News on the new album will be forthcoming.
More information on Gold City can be found at http://goldcityqt.com.
For more information on Southern Spin Entertainment, go to http://southernspin.com.
Face to Face Adds Jessica Rubel
Face to Face has added a 4th voice to their already tight sounding group. Jessica Rubel from Jeffersonville, Indiana was added on November 7th. Tom Boles, Baritone for the group states, "Were looking forward to working with Jessica. Our group will be stronger with her at the 2nd Soprano position." Donna Burke added, "It gives us more diversity with Jessica. She is going to be a great addition."Face to Face took 3rd place at the National Quartet Conventions Talent Search this year, earning them a 10 hour recording session with Son Sound. Their Latest project "Jesus Hold My Hand" is now available on their web site http://www.glorylandministries.com and three singles will be released after the first of the year.
Paid In Full is Lovin’ Out Loud on New Song Garden Music Group Release
Lovin’ Out Loud was produced by Woody Wright and co-produced by Song Garden Music Group’s own Nick Bruno and Robbie Hiner. The album features Paid In Full’s trademark harmonies and stellar vocals on tracks like the title cut, “Great Day In the Morning,” “The Coming of the Lord,” and “I’ll Meet You on the Mountain.”
The album features original songs written by industry leaders such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Woody Wright, Patti Hawkins, Phil Johnson, Kirk Talley, Mike Speck, Joe Beck, Buddy Mullins, and Mark Lowry.
Woody Wright, producer of the project said, “Paid in Full is the best kept secret in Southern Gospel music. I truly hope this is the recording that will give the guys the chart success and popularity that they deserve. Jeff, Lance and Bradley are dedicated, hard-working guys who make wonderful recordings! There is a rumble among industry folks about how great Paid In Full is, and they say that it is high time the SG world embraces them. This is the most powerful group of songs the guys have put together to date. There are toe-tapping tunes, heart-felt messages and everything in between on this release. It is a joy and an honor to produce their projects, especially this release, Lovin' Out Loud."
Les Butler of Salem Communications said, “Paid In Full couldn't mess up recording an album if they tried! They simply knock it out of the park, every time!”
“I think this recording will definitely help Paid In Full become a household name,” said Deon Unthank of SouthernGospelNews.com. “Lovin’ Out Loud is definitely one of the strongest albums released all year.”
Lovin’ Out Loud’s debut single is the title cut, and it will be released to radio soon.
Paid In Full recently hosted their 14th Annual Homecoming this past weekend.
More information on Paid In Full, along with product ordering information, can be found at http://paidinfull.net.
About Paid In Full
Based out of New Albany, Mississippi, Paid In Full is a trio of talented young men who not only sing together, they are friends who have experienced life together. The group has a slew of radio hits which include “My Father’s House,” “Sailing Towards Home,” and their current release “Work of Grace.” The group’s current release, Lovin’ Out Loud was released by Song Garden Music .
About Song Garden Music Group
Nick Bruno and Robbie Hiner have pooled their considerable talents and decades of experience in gospel music to form a new and major recording company - Song Garden Music Group. The partnership also includes Dale Keffer, a Mennonite pastor and evangelist, and his brother Lynn and sister Marilyn. Artists currently under the Song Garden Music Group banner include the Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, the Lesters, the LeFevre Quartet, the Rick Webb Trio, Jimmy Fortune, and Paid In Full. The label also has the development arm of Grapevine Records which is already home to half a dozen emerging artists.
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. The company currently represents over 40 artists in all genres of Gospel music.
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 Diamond Awards Reach Agreement with SSE Group
A website pertaining only to the Diamond Awards will be designed and maintained by SSE Design Group. The site will contain a history of all the Diamond Award winners and nominees from the past, as well as all current news and updates about the popular awards.
The Diamond Awards were transferred over to the SGN Scoops Magazine three years ago after the original home for the awards, the Gospel Voice Magazine, folded. The Diamond Awards are a fan based award that allows the fans to choose the nominees as well as the winners each year. The awards show is based during the National Quartet Convention every September.
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. The company currently represents over 40 artists, companies, and organizations in the Gospel music community – including Gold City, The Imperials, SouthernGospelNews.com, the Dove Brothers Quartet, Hope’s Call, Johnny Minick, Jonathan White, Embrace, Sondra Burnett, Ed Crawford & the Mystery Men Quartet, HisSong, Christlike, Crystal River, Sharron Kay King, and many more.
“I truly feel like having SSE Group take over the publicity for the Diamond Awards will help them gain much more exposure throughout the year,” said Allen Smith, owner of SGN Scoops Magazine. “I am very excited about the possibilities that this agreement will bring.”
“We are very enthusiastic about working with Allen and the Diamond Awards,” said Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group. “The Diamond Awards are quickly becoming one of the most respected awards in this industry. We are excited to be a small part of that success in the coming years.”
More information on the Diamond Awards can be found at http://sgnscoops.com.
For more information on SSE Group, go to http://ssegrouponline.com.
Mark Trammell and John Pfeifer Added to NQC Advisory Council
The National Quartet Convention is pleased to announce the addition of John Pfiefer and Mark Trammell to its Advisory Council. The NQC started the Advisory Council in 2003 in order to receive advice from prominent members of the Southern Gospel community in strategic planning, show formulation and event management. Two of the original advisory council members, Scott Fowler and Gerald Wolfe, were elected to the NQC Board of Directors in March of 2005 after the resignation of Russ Farrar and Jim Cumbee. The appointments of John Pfiefer and Mark Trammell fill these vacancies.“We are delighted to have John Pfiefer and Mark Trammell on our Advisory Council team,” states Clarke Beasley, NQC Executive Vice President. “These men have enjoyed long successful careers in the Southern Gospel field, and we know their input will benefit us greatly.”
In addition to these changes, Stacey Murphy has resigned from the NQC Advisory Council after the disbanding of his group the Journeymen Quartet. “Stacey has been a tremendous asset to the advisory council,” states Clarke Beasley. “We will miss Stacey’s involvement on the council and Southern Gospel Music will certainly miss the Journeymen Quartet.”
Complete information about the National Quartet Convention can be found at http://www.natqc.com or by calling 800-846-8499.
Everlasting Hope Scores First Charting Hit
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Everlasting Hope, a rising talent in Southern Gospel, was recently greeted with the news that their debut national radio release is starting to see some major chart action. The single, titled “Down By the River,” has found a home on a couple major charts in the Southern Gospel industry recently.
“Down By the River” recently debuted at #36 on the SouthernGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and is currently still sitting in the Top 40, and it is presently at #5 on the SGMusicForum.com Top 40 Monthly Chart for November.
The single is from Everlasting Hope’s self-titled album. The album was produced by Wesley Pritchard at Mill West Studios in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The single is currently being pushed to Southern Gospel radio by Philip Emery and his team at DJ Man Promotions.
“’Down By the River’ talks about the excitement we will have on that day when we will lay all our burdens and worries down at His feet,” said Amanda Kuszmal of Everlasting Hope. “We are extremely excited about the reaction that we have seen from this song.”
“’Down By the River’ has done great on our station,” said Chris Unthank, Program Manager of SouthernSpinRadio.com. “It has a great mix of what is popular in today’s Southern market as well as a nice progressive edge.”
Everlasting Hope is encouraging all of their fans to call in and request “Down By the River” today.
For more information on Everlasting Hope, please visit http://everlastinghope.com .
About Everlasting Hope
Everlasting Hope formed 12 years ago as young ladies. They consist of two sets of sisters who have been best friends since time began. All four ladies grew up in Warren, Ohio attending a First Assembly of God where the group was formed while participating in ministry developing programs. They have since grown into an outstanding vocal group, ministering to churches across the eastern United States, singing at Quartet Conventions, as well as MLB (Major League Baseball) and NBA (National Basketball Association) games. Their style is an interesting fusion of Southern Gospel and inspirational Christian music.
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. The company currently represents over 40 artists in all genres of Gospel music. For more information on Southern Spin Entertainment, go to http://www.southernspin.com .
Lamp Music Group Adds NewDay Quartet To Gospel Heritage Roster
Their debut GHR single is already getting a lot of attention at radio. "I Get Weak On My Knees" on the Lamp Sampler Vol 28.
Lamp Music Group President, Mike Pillow recently shared, "These guys can really sing, and I can tell they are right on track for the Lord. They are already getting some industry exposure, but my goal is to introduce their unique message to the rest of the world."
Tentative street dates for the new project have already been set for early 2006.
For more information about NewDay Quartet: http://www.newdayquartet.com or http://www.lampmusic.com
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Strike High on Billboard Charts
Nashville, TN (11-2-05) -- New projects from Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, their first for Gaither Music Group, earned the high-energy group their best-ever debut week on the Billboard charts. Not only did their self-titled video debut at #3 on the Music Video chart, but their self-titled CD debuted at #6 on the Contemporary Christian Chart and #91 on the Top 200, their first appearance on any of these Billboard charts.Response from SSQ founder, Ernie Haase, was immediate and predictable: "Whoop! Whoop!" he replied. "We're all counting our blessings at the news, but there's a part of me that's so quiet and humbled that God has blessed us so richly. This totally justifies my conviction four years ago that God had great plans for me in the quartet world. It's truly a wonderful day."
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound appear at Bill and Gloria Gaither's annual Praise Gathering this weekend in Indianapolis and continue touring with the Gaither 10th Anniversary Homecoming Tour through the end of the year.
Joseph Smith To Leave Mark Trammell Trio
Joseph Smith, lead singer for Mark Trammell Trio, will be departing the group when a replacement can be found. According to sources Smith is leaving because of a non-life-threatening health condition.Auditions will be held after Thanksgiving. Applicants interested should send a demo tape, personal bio and picture to
Mark Trammell Trio
PO Box 588
Gadsden, AL 35902
Betty Jo Linneman, Co-Founder of Hilltop Recording Studio, Passes Away
Betty Jo Linneman, co-founder of Hilltop Recording Studio, died yesterday at age 82. She had been struggling with a heart condition. Services are on Thursday at 3:00PM at Spring Hill Cemetery on Gallatin Rd. in Madison, TN.Founded in 1969 as one of Nashville's first independent recording studios, Hilltop and Jack and Betty Jo Linneman have been major contributors to the world of Southern Gospel Music.
Jonathan White Voted Fan Favorite…Again!
“All that I can say is a huge Thank You to all of you who have supported me and my ministry this past year,” said Jonathan White. “It continues to amaze me just how much God has blessed me this year. When stuff like this happens, I just have to give all the glory to God.”
“I believe this is a true testament to just how successful Jonathan will be in the near future,” mentioned Deon Unthank, owner of SouthernGospelNews.com. “Jonathan is one of the most talented singers in any genre of music, and his songs just connect with the listener. I expect many more great things from him.”
His current single, “Church For a Change” can be found on his latest studio album, Freedom, and was written by Cheri Mullins, Kenneth Mullins, and Mark Brian Willett.
His last single, “Don’t Drink the Water” went all the way to #6 on the SouthernGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and was written by Jacob Thomas Sammons and Jonathan E. Pennington.
“The Passion of the Christ” set the record for the most weeks voted as FAN FAVORITE earlier this year at an astounding 11 weeks. The song ended up going #1 on the SouthernGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart for three weeks and helped earn Jonathan a surprise nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year in the 2005 SGN Music Awards this past April.
Jonathan will be releasing two new projects this year. Living the Good Life is due out later this fall and was produced by veteran producers Wesley Pritchard, Milton Smith along with White. The album also features guest vocal work by popular vocal ensemble Valor and Lauren Cheney. White will also be releasing his sophomore Christmas album this winter.
For more information on Jonathan White, please visit http://www.jonathanwhitemusic.com .
About Jonathan White
Jonathan White is one of Southern Gospel music’s fastest rising soloists. Based out of Canton, Ohio, Jonathan just released his latest CD, Live at Chapel Hill. The first single on the album, “The Passion of the Christ” was a #1 hit. Jonathan was recently nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2005 SGN Music Awards.
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. The company currently represents over 40 artists in all genres of Gospel music.
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 McKamey’s ‘I Am Home’ Reaches #1
Peg says the song makes her think of her parents who have gone home. She tries to imagine the streets of gold and walls of jasper and a place where there is no sorrow, no sin and no pain. “It’s hard for us to even picture it…heaven is almost beyond our comprehension…the very idea that God would conceive such a home for us is hard to grasp. But isn’t it wonderful that we can rejoice and be glad of the hope that we have in Christ that gives us that home!”
‘I Am Home’ was a favorite this year at NQC, even though it had to be performed without Ruben due to severe back pain. Peg reports, “Ruben is feeling much better. He never misses NQC and it was difficult for him to be unable to attend. He still has trouble standing for any length of time but is getting better at judging what he can do and is traveling with us again.” Several doctors have been consulted about Ruben’s spine and they hope to have a diagnosis soon.
“We thank you for all of your prayers for Ruben, your support of our ministry and for your requests of ‘I Am Home’. This song has a special place in our hearts…and we know it has a special place in yours as well. After thirteen #1’s…we are still amazed each and every time, God chooses to use one of our songs to bless people. To us, that is what it means to have a number one song…it means people are being blessed by the Lord!”
To learn more about the McKamey’s please visit:
http://www.mckameys.com or the Crossroads website at:
http://www.crossroadsmusic.com
Bart Millard of MercyMe to Release to Southern Gospel
Bart Millard, the voice behind the awesome song, 'I Can Only Imagine,' and lead singer for the highly successful contemporary group Mercy Me, releases his first radio single to Southern Gospel."The record is called HYMNED," explains Bart, "which is sort of a play on words off of the sewing term "hemmed,' which I'm using in the sense that the experience of having these songs sung to me in my childhood is a big part of what has sewn my life together.
"The first single, called 'MawMaw's Song', really explains the whole record. The chorus is actually from 'In The Sweet By and By,' but the verses are mine, talking about my grandmother and upbringing. My sole criteria in choosing the ten songs I did were that these were the ten I remember her singing to me most vividly. There's nothing I've been more proud of than this album ... honestly."
Bart Millard's 'MawMaw's Song' has been released to Southern Gospel stations everywhere on our Sonrise Christian Voices November 2005 compilation disc. If you haven't received your copy yet, please email our office at to ensure you are on our mailing list.
To hear more about Bart Millard, visit our website at http://www.sonrisechristianvoices.com
For more information on Bart Millard you may contact:
Velvet Rousseau Kelm
The Media Collective
615-591-7989
velvet@the Mcollective.com
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