The Inspirations announce upcoming album, "Up Above The World So High"

Their receipt of the esteemed Singing News Favorite Artist of the Year award is only a few months in the rear-view mirror, and the ascent to the top of the charts by their latest single, “My Name’s Already There,” is more recent still, but the young men making up the refreshed lineup of legendary quartet, The Inspirations, are hardly letting the grass grow under their feet. Teamed for the first time with producer/pianist Roger Talley, The Inspirations are back from the ever-flowing well of tradition with Up Above The World So High, a new collection for Horizon Records — now available for pre-save/add ahead of its July 18 release — that’s sure to bring joy to any listener whose soul has ever resonated with the classic Inspirations sound.

“I attended my very first Inspirations concert in 1970,” notes Talley, “and I’ve admired them from afar ever since then. When they asked me to produce their new album, I got to know them in a far greater capacity by getting on the bus and going with them for a weekend of concert dates. These young men really care about the people they sing to, and I quickly learned how fiercely their fans love and support them in return.”

Indeed, the reasons for the fans’ devotion are apparent from the first notes of the album opener, “I’ll Wear a White Robe,” as Talley’s piano and pedal steel guitar from the group’s baritone singer—and multi-instrumentalist— Luke Vaught ring out with a profoundly traditional sound. At a time when the Southern Gospel tag includes so many modern variations, the thrilling sounds of yesteryear that the quartet — Roland Kesterson (lead), Isaac Moore (tenor), Wyatt Austin (bass) and Vaught — have captured so well serve not only to remind long-time listeners of the genre’s historical heights and offer an introduction to new fans, but center once again the kinds of lessons and stories that have brought comfort and joy to millions through the years.

With its blend of thoughtfully selected classics like the title track, the Luke Vaught guitar-driven “Press On, O Pilgrim, There Is Joy Ahead” and the intricately harmonized “I’ve Been A Walking With My Lord,” and well-matched new songs such as “He’s Still The Same God” brought to life with spirited arrangements that offer each member of the quartet a chance to take center stage, Up Above The World So High captures the musical and spiritual renewal The Inspirations bring to each of their performances.

Says Talley, “I admire their talents, but even more their dedication to serving the Lord and His children. I’m proud to call them my friends, and I hope you enjoy and are blessed by this new project!”

Sound Street turns a powerful song into a moving celebration of Christ’s gift to sinners

“We’re so excited to share our next streaming release, ‘Man on the Middle Cross,’” says Jarrod Vanderslice of Sonlite Records’ Sound Street. “This song found its way to us in an unexpected but special way: Debra Talley, wife of our producer Roger Talley, mentioned it to us as a song worth considering. To be honest, we weren’t very familiar with it at first—but the moment we listened to the original version, we knew it was something special. The message gripped us immediately, and we felt it would be a powerful addition to our music catalog.”

That original version, sung by co-writer Rhett Walker, was strong enough to earn a recent Dove Award nomination for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and the Southern Gospel trio leans, with Talley’s help, even more strongly into the song’s country roots, swapping the original’s darker textures and grittier tones for airier, more acoustic touches and framing the clarity of Jarrod Vanderslice’s lead vocal with vivid harmonies from daughter Jaylee Vanderslice and family friend Ryan Bilby. From start to finish, Sound Street’s take on “Man on the Middle Cross” transforms an already powerful song into a moving celebration of Christ’s gift to sinners.

“The story behind this song is one we can all relate to,” says Jarrod. “On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, two men hung beside Him—two sinners, two different responses. One was broken and full of regret, recognizing his need for mercy. The other was hardened, defensive, and convinced it was too late for him. If we’re honest, at some point in life, we’ve all been like one of those men. We’ve all faced moments of fear, regret, or the feeling of being too far gone. But then—there’s Jesus. The Man on the Middle Cross. The One who took the worst of us and gave us the best of Himself. The One who made a way for redemption, no matter who we are or what we’ve done.

Musically, this song has a fresh, modern country feel, blending heartfelt storytelling with a melody that stays with you long after the final note. It’s the kind of song that not only fits our style but truly reflects the heart of what we want to share—hope, grace, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. We can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Mark BonDurant Joins Billy Blue Publishing Family

Billy Blue Music Publishing (BBMP) is excited to add to it’s roster of songwriters as Mark BonDurant joins the family.

BonDurant has had his songs recorded by many bluegrass artists including Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (“Bacon In My Beans”), Crandall Creek (“Dad Down On His Knees”), Amanda Cook and more

“Bluegrass has a tradition of great families, and I can’t think of a better family to join than Billy Blue Music Publishing,” says BonDurant. “It has been a goal, and I am humbled and appreciative to have the opportunity to write with such quality writers and work with great friends.

Joe Dan Cornett, Director of Publishing for BBMP adds, “I’m thrilled to welcome Mark to the Billy Blue Publishing family. His commitment to the craft of songwriting and the dedication he’s shown over the past few years are truly impressive. With his deep passion for bluegrass music and storytelling through song, Mark is a natural fit for our team. We’re excited for what’s ahead welcome to the Billy Blue Crew, Mark!

Billy Blue Publishing has gained significant acclaim for its exceptional repertoire, with six #1 songs to its credit in its short existence. Notable hits include Alan Bibey & Grasstowne's "Hitchhiking to California" and the 2024 IBMA Song of The Year “Fall In Tennessee” recorded by Authentic Unlimited. Since its inception in 2019, Billy Blue Publishing has fostered a creative environment for exceptional songwriters, including Bob Minner, Laura Leigh Jones, Bill Whyte, David Morris, Dave Adkins, Alan Bibey, Jason Barie, Kristy Cox, Jerry Cole, John Meador, Mike Richards, Jim VanCleve, Barry Abernathy, Eric Marshall, Ben Marshall, Carson Peters, Darrell Webb, Rick Lang and Caroline Owens.

Media Contact

Kyle Johnson

Daywind Music Group

publicity@daywind.com

GREATER VISION WELCOMES NEW MEMBER

Greater Vision, the most awarded trio in all of Gospel music, is excited to welcome Scott Mullins as their new baritone singer.

“These gentlemen have been my heroes for many years," says Mullins. “I would go to the National Quartet Convention and see Greater Vision on stage performing with excellence and would dream of being able to stand side by side on stage with them.  Now, God has allowed that dream to become reality. I am truly humbled to be a part of Greater Vision. To Gerald, Rodney, and Chris, I say thank you. To Dean, John Darin, Pat, and Paul, I say thank you for 5 and a half wonderful years. God has great things in store for The Guardians.”

“We’ve known Scott for several years, and have always appreciated his singing ability, but more importantly, his love for God, his sincerity, and his friendship. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead for both Greater Vision and The Guardians,” says Greater Vision founder, Gerald Wolfe. 

John Darin Rowsey of The Guardians says, “For five and a half years, Scott has been a great asset to The Guardians. His passion for our ministry and music is second to none. Pat, Paul, and myself wish him the best, and know his future is bright with Greater Vision.”

Look for Scott, along with the other members of Greater Vision, Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman, and Gerald Wolfe, in concert this summer, at National Quartet Convention, Gospel Music Hymn Sing events, and more places this Fall.

Media Contact

Kyle Johnson

Daywind Music Group

publicity@daywind.com

DAN DEAN STEPS INTO SOLO SPOTLIGHT WITH STAR-STUDDED MORE

Beloved lead vocalist of one of Christian music’s most distinct and iconic groups—Phillips, Craig & Dean—multi-Dove Award-winner Dan Dean steps into the solo spotlight with More, his June 20 StowTown Records debut. Produced by ACM Award-winner Gordon Mote (Gaither Vocal Band, Lee Greenwood) and Jason Webb (Vince Gill, Amy Grant), the album features 11 tracks, eight of which were written or co-penned by Dean. 

More is hallmarked by collaborations with a who’s who of genre-spanning talents, including country songstress Emily Ann Roberts; bluegrass legends The Isaacs; and Dean’s bandmates Randy Phillips and Shawn Craig, who bring their signature Phillips, Craig & Dean harmonies to album opener “Traveling Light.” The Tony Wood and Jimmy Yeary-penned toe-tapper aptly sets the tone for a project that celebrates life, love and family under the gaze of grace. 

The title-cut and first instant-grat track will be available on streaming platforms this Friday. “More”—featuring vocals from Emily Ann Roberts and Jason Webb—was written by Dean during the COVID pandemic, but its message remains potent in an increasingly turbulent world. “The lyrics simply reflect my clinging to the Hope that only Christ can bring in such an uncertain time,” Dean shares.   

“The word ‘more’ in relation to the album title signifies several things,” he shares of the project’s overarching theme. “‘More’ songs and music from what has already been a very fulfilling career; ‘more’ of what I hope are healing tunes of strength and encouragement, and ‘more’ of God’s Spirit in our nation, which is so in need of revival and His healing.” 

 Additional highlights of More include “Glimpses of Glory,” a tribute to God’s handiwork in Creation featuring The Isaacs; the Christine Dente-backed “Mother of Boys,” a deeply personal track Dean co-penned in homage to his mother; and “Home,” an ode to the joy imbued in life’s simple moments written by Devin Dean. 

“My son Devin has really impressed me the last few years with his skills as an instrumentalist, a vocalist, and a songwriter,” shares Dean. “When I started putting songs together for this project, I thought about ‘Home,’ which Devin shared with me a few months earlier. I immediately fell in love with the song, so I asked him to sing it with me on the record. It turned out to be a special day in the studio, and I love the fact that Devin participated in this project.”

All proceeds from More are slated to benefit Shepherd’s Rest, an organization Dean and his wife, Becky, founded to provide respite for pastors and others in full-time ministry. “The goal of Shepherd’s Rest is to encourage and ‘lift up the hands’ of couples in ministry,” Dean explains. “Having now spent almost 50 years as a pastor, I am very aware of the highs and lows of the calling. God has given me the gift of encouragement, and I have a sincere desire to show my gratitude to as many people as possible who are in the trenches of ministry, day-in and day-out.” 

Dean—now in his fourth decade of music and ministry with Phillips, Craig & Dean—will be showcasing selections from More during many of the group’s summer and fall dates, including stops in Mount Herman, California; Shipshewana, Indiana; and Prescott, Arizona, among other cities around the country.

 

Chronicle "Loved"

“Loved” is produced and orchestrated by the esteemed award-winning Wayne Haun. Haun crafts, orchestrates, and showcases music and vocals for Chronicle’s songs, featuring a unique sound tailored to Chronicle’s identity, and takes pride in his music and song production, bringing each song beautifully to life.

Chronicle says “Thank you Wayne Haun, for taking a chance with us, Your awesome!”

Wayne Haun adds,

“The incredibly unique sound of Chronicle is what drew me in immediately. It was like Cajun music and Southern Gospel collided…something I’d never heard. I knew I had to get in the studio with them and create. Add to all that the instrumental talent and the music goes to an even deeper dimension. But as complex as all that seems, when they sing, the sound falls on the ears so comfortably. You can feel the spirit and emotion as they sing those messages that shoot straight to the heart.”

Chronicle can’t wait for you to hear it,

Gospel Music FanFair

In 2024, Gospel Music FanFair moved to the beautiful, historic town of Fayette, Alabama. The annual mega concert event features a variety of talent from new artists to living legends as Gospel music fans gather from all over to enjoy morning worship services, daily showcases, afternoon matinees and spectacular evening concerts. As the "grand finale", the three-day event concludes with the highly anticipated Gospel Music Fan Awards. Make plans now to attend the 21st annual Gospel Music FanFair!

21st Annual Gospel Music FanFair

May 8, 9, and 10, 2025

Fayette Civic Center 530 Temple Avenue North Fayette, Alabama 35555

General Seating

Admission: No charge - Love offerings will be received throughout the week.

Parking on site, no charge

Easily accessible, the exhibit halls adjoin the main auditorium and is the “meet & greet” gathering place for artists and fans. Music and souvenirs will be available for purchase as well as concessions. The exhibit hall opens daily at 3:00pm, so you’ll have plenty of time before the evening concert to browse the exhibit booths, make new friends and visit with all your favorite artists.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

*All daily activities are held in the main auditorium.

Morning Worship - 9:00am

Artist Showcases - 10:30am & 12:30 pm

Matinee - 3:00pm

Evening Concert - 6:00pm

For more information call Randall Wilds at 205-270-0538

 

Remembering Squire Parsons

The Southern Gospel Music community is mourning the passing of singer/songwriter Squire Parsons. Mr. Parsons was 77 years old.

Born April 4, 1948, Squire Parsons, Jr. began singing Southern Gospel music professionally when he joined West Virginia’s Calvarymen Quartet in 1969. By 1975, Mr. Parsons had joined The Kingsmen, serving as the quartet’s baritone vocalist for most of his tenure there. During his time with The Kingsmen, Mr. Parsons’ voice was heard on several songs that have gone on to become classics—“It Made News In Heaven,” “Hello Mama,” “The Lovely Name Of Jesus,” “I’ve Got A Reservation,” “Master Of The Sea,” “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet,” and numerous others.

Following his departure from The Kingsmen in 1979, Mr. Parsons began focusing on a solo ministry and songwriting, and it was during this time that the Gospel music community was introduced to even more songs that touched the hearts and lives of people around the world. “Sweet Beulah Land,” “He Came To Me,” “The Broken Rose,” “The Greatest Of All Miracles,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” “I Sing Because,” and “I Call It Home” are just a few of the songs that Mr. Parsons shared with the world. Mr. Parsons was also ordained as a minister in 1979 at his home church, Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina.

In additional to a solo ministry, Mr. Parsons was responsible for two groups that served Gospel music well: Squire Parsons & Redeemed (1984-1991) and The Squire Parsons Trio (1995-2009). During the year 1992, The Squire Parsons Quartet made limited appearances with a line-up that included Ernie Phillips, Arthur Rice, Joe Fowler, and Mr. Parsons.

During Mr. Parsons’ professional singing career, he was honored numerous times for his contributions to Gospel music. The readers of Singing News Magazine presented Mr. Parsons the award for Favorite Baritone(1986-1987), Favorite Male Singer (1988), and Favorite Songwriter (1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995). His song, “Sweet Beulah Land” was voted Song Of The Year in 1981. Mr. Parsons was inducted in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and he was also inducted in the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000 as a former member of The Kingsmen.

Though he continued to make limited appearances in his home area of Asheville, North Carolina, Mr. Parsons retired from traveling in 2019 due to health concerns. Even while facing several serious health issues in his mid-to-late 70s, Mr. Parsons’ powerful voice could often be heard during regular services and revivals at Trinity Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The Parsons family appreciates your prayers.

Kingsmen’s Charles Abee Dies at 82

Charles Abee, known as “Mr. Piano Man, graduated from this life on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. He was 82.

In 1965 he began organized quartet music playing for the Pine Ridge Boys later joining the Palmetto State Quartet. In 1971 he joined the Kingsmen Quartet. In late 1973 he organized the Winkler’s Grove Quartet while serving as pianist for the church. In the eighties he was pianist for the Meetin’ Time Quartet and Tarheel State Quartet. He also worked with Charles Burke in the Men of Music.  For the past twenty-four years, he faithfully served Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church in Hickory, NC as Minister of Music/ pianist.

His love of southern gospel quartet music drove him to work with talents throughout the region while focusing on “doing it right or not at all”

He was also an accomplished piano tuner, having been an instrumental technician at Grand Piano Company for many years.

Greg Fox of the Kingsmen said, “A huge part of the “Ton of Fun” moved on to his reward today. Charles Abee … what a man , what a piano player , what a friend and a true Kingsmenin ever meaning of the word !!! I’ll miss you and see you at the house.”

Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church shares, “We will forever be grateful for his ministry, and his legacy of praise will live on in the hearts of all who worshiped alongside him. Through his dedication, talent, and love for the Lord, Charles touched countless lives and brought the presence of God into our sanctuary time and time again. While we deeply mourn his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the knowledge that he is now singing in Heaven’s choir.”Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15”

Services for Charles Abee will be on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church,  3320 9th Ave Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601, with receiving of friends from 1:00 to 1:45. The Life Celebration service is at 2pm. The family will also receive friends immediately following the service.

Remember the Abee family in your prayers. His two sons, Shane and Brooks, with their families, thanks you for your prayers in this time of loss.

Beloved Hee Haw Star, LuLu Roman Passes Away

Wilds & Associates/Christian Voice Magazine has learned that LuLu Roman has passed away.

LuLu Roman was best known as a regular cast member of TV’s comedy-music show, Hee Haw, which debuted in 1969. Born with thyroid dysfunction in a maternity home and raised in an orphanage. As a young star, she struggled with drug addiction, but she later found grace in the eyes of God.

She went on to become a successful comedian, singer, and author, impacting millions around the globe with humor and testimony of her miraculous salvation through Christ.

Wilds & Associates CEO Randall Wilds states, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing LuLu and working with her on many occasions. She became more than just a business acquaintance; she was a dear friend. When I would be having a hard day at the office, I could always count on Lu to lift my spirits, make me laugh, and forget about my troubles for a moment. I already miss her.”

LuLu was 78 years old.

Christian Voice Magazine will publish a tribute to LuLu in the upcoming June 2025 issue.