Gaither Announces Cities For 2025 Christmas Tour

For nearly half a century, multi-Grammy and Dove Award winner, Bill Gaither has been a musical trailblazer. His reputation as a performer, songwriter and mentor for newly discovered artists is known world-wide. His beloved Homecoming Series has consistently topped sales charts and attracted an ever-increasing audience.

The 89-year-old music mogul continues to tour regularly, presenting over 40 concerts annually, and for 30 years, he has been bringing Christmas concert events each holiday season to cities nationwide. As the 2025 holiday season rolls around, the legendary recording artist makes plans to present an exciting, festive, Christmas celebration during December. The Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour includes concert events in eight cities that will feature Gaither’s own multi-award-winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band. During The Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame members will ring in the holidays with joyful harmonies and signature stylings. These special events will remind all who attend of the eternal song of hope and celebrate the birth of the Savior and the unconditional love of the Father who continually brings light to a dark world. The Gaither Vocal Band, featuring Gaither, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Reggie Smith,  will be joined on this season’s Christmas Tour by numerous talented musical guests. Each evening these performers will share timeless gospel classics, as well as refreshing, inspiring new favorites, in addition to classic Christmas standards guaranteed to bring holiday cheer. Few events have the ability to unite individuals from all walks of life the way Gaither concerts do. Taking the stage with the Gaither Vocal Band will be multi-talented singer/songwriter/speaker and former Vocal Band alumni Mark Lowry. Other popular artists who will be featured on The Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour include multi-award-winning duo, Jeff & Sheri Easter, renown musical family, The Hoppers, popular female vocalists, Lynda Randle, Angela Primm and Ladye Love Smith, and talented male vocalists, Woody Wright and Gene McDonald, as well as newcomer phenom and former The Voice winner, Chris Blue. Gaither’s musical entourage, comprised of Kevin Williams, Matthew Holt and Michael Rowsey, will also add musical delight to each evening. Tickets go on sale for the 2025 Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour to the general public on  Friday, August 29. Ticket information and details are available at www.gaither.com. December 4 – Atlanta, GA December 5 – Memphis TN December 6 – Kansas City MO December 7 – Oklahoma City OK December 10 – Shipshewana IN December 11 – Green Bay WI December 12 – Chicago IL December 13 – Saginaw MI

The Kingdom Heirs celebrate milestones with upcoming album

“This year is a huge milestone for the Kingdom Heirs,” says Dennis Murphy of the legendary Southern Gospel quartet in which he’s served as drummer for more than 35 years. “Not only have we been in full-time gospel music for 40 years, but we’re also celebrating 40 consecutive seasons at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.”

To celebrate, the Sonlite Records artists are offering up Fortieth Anniversary, a collection of newly recorded favorites plucked from the vaults, including three of their most beloved numbers — “He Lifted Me, “I’ve Passed Over” and “He Locked The Gates” — seamlessly blended into a medley filled with the joy of salvation from first note to last.

The album is now available for pre-save/add ahead of its October 10 release.

“Many people may not realize that we were already in place at the park before it became Dollywood,” Murphy notes. “We started as a part-time gospel act during the early 80’s when it was Silver Dollar City, and after a couple of years singing on weekends and special events throughout the season, management offered us the full-time position in 1985. This has been an incredible way for us to share the gospel with people from all over the world. Our theater seats a thousand and we have the opportunity to sing to more people than we could ever reach traveling full time.”

Inspired by the opportunity to share their musical ministry with audiences from around the world — a blend of one-time visitors and season pass regulars — the Kingdom Heirs have built a songbook second to none. Not surprising, then, that musical variety abounds on Fortieth Anniversary, where plenty of classic quartet numbers are leavened with a country waltz (“I’ll Know I’m Home”), a simmering, soulful “Jesus Made A Believer Out Of Me,” a gentle yet intense ballad (“My Anchor Of Hope”) and more — each a powerful, upbeat testimony to the redemptive power of Christian faith.

“During our forty years we’ve been very fortunate to have some incredibly talented men come through the group,” enthuses Murphy. “We bring an entertaining, high-energy performance to the stage every time the curtain opens, presenting the gospel with incredible songs, talented vocals, and an award-winning live band. Our current line-up of guys is, without a doubt, a crowd favorite, so Fortieth Anniversary is a classic sounding Kingdom Heirs compilation with new voices, and we have reached way back in our catalogue to revive these hits from the last 25 years.

“Some of you will remember every song while others will be hearing them for the first time. As we share these songs, we are reminded that our music has become the institution which allows us to keep singing and sharing the gospel. We’re excited for everyone to live these songs again and be reminded of our rich history of amazing music and amazing writers. The hearts that have been touched and lives that have been changed will never be known this side of heaven!”

Influential Conservative Christian Leader James Dobson Passes Away

At age 89, Dr. James Dobson passed away this morning. He was one of the most influential conservative Christian leaders for half a century. He was a tireless advocate for traditional family values. He was a psychologist, a New York Times best-selling author, a member of the Radio Hall of Fame and an advisor to five U.S. presidents.

He founded Focus on the Family in 1977, one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world. His daily broadcasts were heard on more than 4,000 radio stations across North America and translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries.

He departed Focus on the Family in 2010 and launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he continued his pro-family mission with the Family Talk program, a nationally syndicated broadcast.

Christian Voice Magazine Executive Editor states, "I first became acquainted with Dr. Dobson when I went to work as a radio broadcaster in the mid-1980s. The station aired his Focus on the Family program, and I became a loyal listener. When I launched Christian Voice Radio in 2018, his Family Talk broadcast was the very first I sought to add to our daily programming. He was a man of great conviction, passion, and integrity. He was bold and courageous in his faith and in his public outreach. Without a doubt, he impacted our culture, and he certainly impacted my life."

He adds, "We will be publishing a proper tribute to the legacy of Dr. Dobson in the October issue of Christian Voice Magazine. Please be in prayer for the Dobson family – his wife, Shirley, of 64 years, and their two adult children, Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren."

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19th Annual Huntland Gospel Music Fest – September 6

The tradition continues in Huntland, Tennessee! Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for the 19th Annual Huntland Gospel Music Fest, happening Friday, September 6, at 6:30 PM at Huntland Pentecostal Church.

This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with worship, fellowship, and the very best in Gospel music.

Featured Guests

We’re excited to welcome some incredible talent to the stage, including:

Brian Free & Assurance – One of Southern Gospel’s most beloved quartets, known for their powerful harmonies and Christ-centered message.

The Sims Family – Sharing heartfelt songs that encourage and inspire.

The Gardners – Hosting the event and delivering their signature uplifting music.

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 6, 2024

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Huntland Pentecostal Church

Bring your family, invite your friends, and get ready for an evening of music and ministry you won’t soon forget.

Stay Connected

For more details and updates, visit: TheGardners.com

Don’t miss this chance to experience a night of Gospel music at its best – we’ll see you at Huntland Gospel Music Fest! 

THE 56th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF PERFORMERS AND PRESENTERS

Lauren Daigle, Fred Hammond featuring The Choir Room, Gaither Vocal Band, and Josiah Queen Confirmed To Perform

John Crist, Sadie Robertson Huff, David & Tamela Mann, and Chris Tomlin Confirmed To Present

Dove Awards Tickets And Fan Experience Packages On Sale Now For Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, At Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced the first round of performers and presenters for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Performers include Lauren Daigle, Fred Hammond featuring The Choir Room, Gaither Vocal Band, and Josiah Queen. Presenters include John Crist, Sadie Robertson Huff, David & Tamela Mann, and Chris Tomlin. More performers and presenters will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 7th, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets and a limited number of Music City Fan Experiences are on sale HERE. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 7:30pm and 10pm ET and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. An encore presentation will air on TBN and the TBN+ app Friday, October 17th, at 7:30pm and 10pm ET.

Prior to the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards broadcast, viewers can watch the official red-carpet coverage, TBN’s Red Carpet Hosted by Kristin Adams, on Friday, October 10, 2025, exclusively on the TBN+ app and TBN YouTube.

Mark Bishop’s "Grandkids"

When Southern Gospel favorite Mark Bishop recorded his song, “Grandkids,” he didn’t have more in mind than celebrating the “‘new’ love” brought by the arrival of his first grandchild. But as it became clearer that this creation had touched listeners in a unique and powerful way, he realized that the special joy — and challenges — of rearing children is a theme that has run like a bright, colorful ribbon through his ever-growing catalog of songs. Now, Sonlite Records has gathered some of the most memorable of these into a special collection: Grandkids.

“Someone pointed out to me that I write a lot of songs about family,” notes Bishop. “As I look back through the years I realize that that is true. Maybe that is because the deepest love that we feel in this life is often with our family. Our husband or wife… our moms and dads… brothers and sisters… our kids… our grandkids… our hearts are connected in a way that follows us through a lifetime.”

Sure enough, after the opening “Grandkids,” Bishop turns to the earliest days of childhood — and to a recording from decades ago — with “Grow Up, Baby, Good and Strong” and its opening children’s chorus, and then a moving meditation on “a parent alone” in “The Refrigerator Door.” With “Sometimes God Whispers,” the tempo turns lively, offering the reassurance of its powerful chorus:

I believe God loves us; I believe God cares

I can feel Him in my heart, in my soul, I can feel Him in the air

I see the fingerprints of God upon creation. I can see Him everywhere

And after the misty-eyed remembrance of “I Remember Her Well” — “the hardest thing a dad ever does is give his girl away,” he offers in the song’s uplifting bridge — Bishop closes the set with an unexpected and welcome gift in the previously unreleased “Lightning Bug,” a buoyantly whimsical tale about a firefly that reaches its apex with a valuable reminder for young and old alike:

When you hide your light, you’re harder to find

No matter the circumstance, let your light shine

“Sometimes the simplest examples are the best examples,” notes Bishop. “When I was a kid, going to church with mom and dad, I can remember singing, ‘this little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine…'”

“We were in the studio and ended up with a little extra time to record something just…’fun,'” he continues. “I had this song that I had written for my daughters when they were still in school. It’s about a lightning bug that learns the valuable lesson of letting your light shine, in this case, literally. We had a lot of fun with the different voices, and the story is just plain cute. I hope it’s something that parents, grandparents, and kids alike can enjoy together.”

“I’m proud to release this special EP that celebrates our connection with family,” Bishop concludes. “God’s had a lot of great ideas… and one of His best has to be family.”

Shane Dunlap Signs Publishing Agreement With Daywind Music Publishing

Daywind Music Publishing is excited to add Shane Dunlap to its family of writers. Having an extensive career in music including being an original member of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound as well as fronting his own group, N’Harmony, Dunlap now turns his attention to his passion for writing. 

“I’ve known Rick Shelton for over 25 years, but we’ve never had the chance to work together professionally—until now,” shares Dunlap. “I’ve always admired his heart, his passion, and his incredible talent, and I truly believe he’s one of the best in the business. Getting the opportunity to finally work alongside him and be part of this team is something I’m incredibly excited about and deeply grateful for. I also want to thank Ed Leonard for his belief in me, and Johnathan Crumpton and Jo Dan Cornett for the key roles they’ve played in helping make this happen. I’m honored to be working with all of the Daywind Music staff—what a blessing it is to be part of something so special.”

“I’m impressed by a strong work ethic, commitment to a craft, and a heart to use their talent to serve others. Shane Dunlap has all those qualities, which are necessary for a successful songwriter. From my earliest days in Southern Gospel, he has been a consistent friend. That is why it is a special occasion for both of us for him to join the Daywind Music Publishing family. I’m excited about the songs that are to come from my talented friend, Shane, ” states Rick Shelton, Vice President of Daywind Music Publishing. 

As well as being a writer, Dunlap also serves as Creative Director and Lead Worship Pastor for Lee Park Church in Monroe, NC. Lee Park Worship’s debut project, Faithful Still, was released in 2024 on Vital Worship, and featured many of Shane’s songs including the breakout hit, “Why Wouldn’t I Run.”

Daywind Music Publishing is home to an award-winning roster of songwriters including Lee Black, Jim Brady, Melissa Brady, Clint Brown, Riley Harrison Clark, Jason Cox, Adam Crabb, Natalie Cromwell, Marty Funderburk, Joseph Habedank, Mike Harland, Wayne Haun, Matthew Lawson, Tim Lovelace, Devin McGlamery, Karen Peck Gooch, John Darin Rowsey, Belinda Smith, Jonathan C. Smith, Sue C. Smith, and Barry Weeks. 

Media Contact

Kyle Johnson

Daywind Music Group

publicity@daywind.com

Joseph Habedank Celebrates 20th GMA Dove Award Nomination

Artists and fans alike look forward to the announcement each year of the GMA Dove Award nominees.  It is an honor to be recognized, and with this year’s announcement, singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank celebrates the milestone of receiving 20 GMA Dove Award nominations.

Currently in his 12th year of touring and producing music as a solo artist, Joseph Habedank has released five mainline studio projects to date: four of which have received a nod from the Gospel Music Association and three have brought home the prestigious award.  This year’s nomination for Southern Gospel Album was received by his most recent release through Gaither Music, I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story. The album, produced by Matthew Holt and Kevin Williams, chronicles music that, while not written by Habedank, speak directly to his life: growing up in church, overcoming addiction through the grace of God, and by His mercy sharing his story each night in song.

“I am blown away by his nomination and honored that my peers within the Gospel Music Association thought enough of this project to place it among the best released this year,” shares Joseph Habedank. “I didn’t realize that this marked my 20th nomination until someone at GMA pointed it out to me, and I can’t adequately express how very thankful I am.  So much hard work goes on behind the scenes to produce these projects; from the writers, producers, musicians, label personnel, radio, the list goes on.  I’ve been blessed with incredible support, and we’ve been able to produce some incredible music together to glorify the One who deserves all the praise.”

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on October 7th, 2025 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.  The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 10th, 2025 at 7:30 pm est and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message.

To learn more about Joseph Habedank, follow him on social media or visit josephhabedank.com.

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