GOSPEL MUSIC LEGENDS, BILL & GLORIA GAITHER TO PRESENT GAITHER HOMECOMING SPECTACULAR IN ST CHARLES

During the weekend of August 17 & 18, Gospel Music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither will present a Gaither Homecoming music spectacular at the Family Arena in St Charles, MO. Over the course of the two-day event, more than a dozen of Gospel Music’s most popular artists will be featured. Tickets go on sale May 3 to the general public!

Bill and Gloria Gaither have become arguably the most successful Gospel songwriting team in history, collectively penning more than 900 songs and becoming ASCAP Christian Songwriters of the Century. Over 30 years ago the two produced the very first Homecoming CD and Video. Now, three decades later the Homecoming music collection has become a phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The series gave birth to the Gaither Homecoming concert tour, which has taken place in cities worldwide with collective attendance figures exceedingly more than 1.1 million, while nearly every volume in the DVD & CD series has certified gold or platinum.

This Gaither Homecoming event unites Gospel music’s finest on stage for two exciting afternoons that are sure to delight attendees of all ages. The event will feature multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist The Gaither Vocal Band, as well as Grammy winner Jason Crabb and popular comedian Mark Lowry.  Other artists scheduled to appear include The Hoppers, The Nelons, The Sound, Angela Primm, Chris Blue, Joseph Habedank, Jeff & Sheri Easter and many others.

Premier Productions and Rush Concerts, promoters of the event, are delighted to bring this exciting Gaither Homecoming to America’s heartland. “Premier had the privilege to partner with Mr Gaither to present Homecoming events worldwide for nearly a decade back in the 1990s, but in recent years, it’s very rare that Mr Gaither does events like this,” states Robyn Klass, VP of Marketing & Ticketing for Premier & Rush. “We’ve been honored to present a couple of events like this over the past few years in cities like Tulsa, OK, and Hershey, PA, and we are thrilled to partner with Family Arena in bringing this event to St Charles and the St Louis area. It’s going to be a very special weekend.”

Tickets go on sale May 3 for the general public with a special pre-sale event taking place on May 2. Patrons can sign up to be a part of the pre-sale at https://bit.ly/4b9K5aw. Make plans now to be a part of this exciting Gaither Homecoming with Bill & Gloria Gaither on Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18 at the Family Arena in St Charles, MO.

ZANE & DONNA KING FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY WITH "EVERYTHING GOOD"

Everything Good, the highly anticipated new recording from Dove and Singing News Fan Award-nominated husband/wife duo Zane & Donna King, bows May 31 from StowTown Records. Carrying overarching themes of joy and peace, the album is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in the couple’s lives following a difficult season of walking with two of their children through addiction and recovery.  

Produced by Zane & Donna King, Everything Good features 12 inspirational country, worship and roots-gospel influenced tracks. Collaborating with a range of genre-leading songwriters, Donna co-penned every selection on the album, while seven songs were co-written by Zane. 

A centerpiece of Everything Good, “From the Basement to the Altar” is a poignant tribute to those who persevere in the face of addiction. Written by Zane & Donna King and Sue C. Smith, the touching ballad highlights the unique solidarity fostered in recovery groups as members faithfully gather to offer lifelines of hope and encouragement to each other.    

“When two of our six children battled addiction, we found ourselves battling alongside them,” reflects Zane King. “We started attending an Al-Anon meeting that was literally in the basement of a church. We experienced the closeness of God’s power and peace in that basement, making it as much of a church altar as the ones where people find themselves on Sunday mornings. There’s something sacred about seeking God from the very lowest point and watching Him rescue our children from that pit and into His presence.” 

“My prayer for this song is that listeners feel closer to God, no matter how big the battle in front of them looks,” he adds. “We pray they’ll know that God can take us all from the basement to the altar, seeing what His grace can truly do.”

The project’s joyful new single, “Front Porch Sittin’,” is now available on digital platforms and is currently impacting Southern Gospel and Christian Country radio formats. The song’s laid-back, gentle lilt offers the assurance of carefree days ahead when we place our trust in Him.

“I was in our writing room last summer with my dear friends Val Dacus and Sue C. Smith, and Val brought this happy idea,” shares Donna King of the track. “We pray listening to this song takes everybody to that place where they can feel the peace and presence of our Savior. Whether they are stuck in traffic or anywhere they are overwhelmed with all that life is throwing at them, we hope ‘Front Porch Sittin’’ offers that sweet moment to breathe and take in the goodness of God in their lives.”

“It’s not that life is perfect, but God is,” Donna says of the album’s main theme. “He is faithful. He is constant. He is SO good. And we have to share that. We have to write, sing, and play songs that let people know there is Hope, because our God is kind and gracious and loves us all so unconditionally. NOTHING—no battle, no hardship, no tough season—can separate us from the love of God. What we’ve found in the hard times is that God is still God, and we can still find joy and hold it in our hearts, whether everything is going well or not.”

zaneanddonnaking.com, stowtownrecords.com or turningpointpr.com.

Follow Zane & Donna King on Instagram and Facebook. 

For further information, please contact:

Brian Smith: PRESIDENT

Emily Kohl: VICE PRESIDENT

turningpointpr.com

 

CHART-TOPPING "SONGS FROM THE DARK" BRINGS ANDREW GREER HOME TO SINGER/SONGWRITER ROOTS

Embracing a welcome return to his singer/songwriter roots, Dove Award nominated artist, producer and author Andrew Greer is celebrating the chart-topping debut of his first solo recording in more than a decade. Songs From The Dark reached the #1 position on Apple Music’s prestigious Singer/Songwriter Top Albums chart following its February release, ahead of projects from such genre giants as Carole King, James Taylor, Tracy Chapman and Stephen Sanchez. 

Selections from the Old Bear Records album have also been spotlighted on a range of noted playlists to date, including Apple Music’s Inspired Chill and Today’s Christian; Pandora’s Today’s Tunesmiths & Troubadours and New Christian Music Now; and the Gospel Music Association’s GMA New Music Friday.

Featuring eight tracks penned or co-penned by Greer and produced by Kyle Buchanan (Lynda Randle, Cindy Morgan), Songs From The Dark elevates themes of peace and hope birthed from seasons of pain and doubt. Hallmarked by organic, uncluttered arrangements, album opener “Rescue Me,” a cry for liberty from selfish ambition, sets the project's overarching tone: “When the tide of pride sweeps me into the deep dark sea/Will You set Your sails of love and come and rescue me?”

Additional highlights of Songs From The Dark include “Mercy,” a petition for healing and grace featuring GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan; and the gentle, assuring lilt of “For Love,” showcasing evocative harmonies from lauded singer/songwriter Skye Peterson. 

“It has been a long season since I last released a record that was marked by just me and the piano keys underneath my fingertips or my guitar tucked up against my chest with an arch of a melody and some lines I had hidden away,” Greer shares. “I waited for the season where I would find space to offer up whatever I had to music—and eventually to others. I finally found it, and those songs became Songs From The Dark.”

“These notes and words have been waiting to move me into new communities, or deeper into the ones I know,” he adds of the album. “They are a featherbed for my regrets with unrestrained hope, and they have set a table for me to be at home, to be at peace. To be with God. I hope these songs serve to guide others’ stories as well—that they can find a place of belonging, a seat at the table, and a tilt towards the Light.”  

In celebration of the album's release, Greer was invited to curate an exclusive playlist for Pandora. The Joy of Being Sad features multiple spoken word tracks from Greer and three Songs From The Dark selections, as well as cuts from Emmylou Harris, Sixpence None the Richer, Tim McGraw and Marc Scibilia, among others.

Songs From The Dark is also available as a limited-edition CD at andrew-greer.com and features the exclusive bonus track “Midnight Of These Things.”  

For further information, please contact:

Brian Smith

PRESIDENT

Emily Kohl

VICE PRESIDENT

turningpointpr.com

Greater Vision & The Mylon Hayes Family Announce The “Family & Friends Christmas” Tour

Greater Vision and The Mylon Hayes Family have announced plans for a new Christmas Concert Tour for the 2024 Christmas Season. The Family & Friends Christmas Tour will be a wonderful start to the most wonderful time of the year, and a perfect evening out for “families and friends” of all ages.

Family & Friends Christmas invites guests to immerse themselves in the true spirit of the season as they enjoy their favorite Christmas songs and Carols. The concerts will feature material from Greater Vision’s critically acclaimed Christmas In London with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra album and the Mylon Hayes Family’s upcoming A Christmas Album release, as well as songs from both groups’ previous Christmas recordings. “We’ve been talking about doing something like this for several years, so it’s wonderful to see it finally coming together,” said Mylon Hayes.

"We are so excited about this Christmas Tour with the Mylon Hayes Family. They’re one of the most talented groups in our genre, and some of our best friends,” said Greater Vision’s Gerald Wolfe.” “With festive decorations and heartwarming special moments throughout the program, we believe this will be the perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with an event they’ve never experienced before.”

The Family & Friends Christmas Tour will be available for eight cities in 2024.

Churches and Concert Promoters can contact The Harper Agency at 615-851-4500 or harperagency.com to secure one of the limited number of dates.

Media Contact: Kyle Johnson

Daywind Music Group, publicity@daywind.com

 

 

 

Jasmine Brady - "Lover Of My Soul"

An original collection of impassioned anthems created for corporate worship experiences as well as intimate moments of reflection, Lover Of My Soul, the latest recording from acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader Jasmine Brady, is slated for release May 10 from Regeneration Music Group. 

Produced by Burton Gaar, Lover Of My Soul features 10 tracks hallmarked by direct, Spirit-filled lyrics and memorable, accessible melodies. Nine of the project's selections were penned solely by Brady, while "Thank You Lord" was co-written by Brady and Jimmy Yeary (Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts). 

Album opener “Overflow” plots a joyful course for the modern worship set, exuding a palpable anticipation for the Holy Ghost's movement. Additional highlights of Lover Of My Soul include the title-cut, a soaring anthem declaring the truths of Scripture; the country-tinged revival call of “The Spirit and The Bride”; and “Carry Me (Joshua’s Song),” a poignant ballad of hope and encouragement honoring the life of Brady’s late brother.

 ABOUT JASMINE BRADY 

Born into a rich musical lineage that influenced her own trajectory from an early age, Jasmine Christmas Brady is the daughter of beloved Gospel songstress Candy Hemphill Christmas; the granddaughter of Southern Gospel pioneers Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill; and the great-niece of genre icons Howard and Vestal Goodman of The Happy Goodmans. Brady appeared in various Gaither Homecoming and Homecoming Kids videos, and she went on to sing with Lee University’s world-renowned Voices of Lee ensemble. Following a decade on staff at The Bridge—a multi-faceted ministry founded by her mother to serve the needs of Nashville’s homeless and underprivileged—Brady is now the worship pastor at Regeneration Nashville, the congregation led by her father, Pastor Kent Christmas. Along with her music ministry, Brady speaks about the faithfulness of God at events around the country and hosts a Bible discussion podcast, Wholly Holy. As a solo artist, her recordings include 2021’s Shalom and 2022’s Come Alive.

For further information or to request an interview with Jasmine Brady: 

Brian Smith  •  brian@turningpointpr.com

Emily Kohl  •  emily@turningpointpr.com

 

The Lore Family’s “God Said You’re Gonna Make It” reminds us He will follow through

The Lore Family’s “Jesus Does” may just be starting to make its way up the Southern Gospel charts, but the Horizon Records recording artist is dishing up more new music — and this time, it’s aimed directly at making new fans for the Ohio-based musical ministry. Written in the 1990s, “God Said You’re Gonna Make It” has been popular with congregations and choirs for years, yet recordings of the song are few and far between, and it has never been released as a single until now.

Though Fayth Lore Whisnant takes a supporting role on this song — father Darrenand mother Sandy have the lead vocals on the song’s two inspirational verses — she puts her finger on the essence of “God Said You’re Gonna Make It,” noting that “doubt is something that every Believer has dealt with in their life. In fact, doubt is what Satan used in The Garden of Eden to convince Eve to take the bite of the forbidden fruit. He asked Eve:  ‘Hath God said?’

“Since Eden, Satan has continued to ask us that same question …’Has God really said’; ‘Can you truly take God at His word?’ The disciples faced faith-shaking doubt on the raging sea. The circumstances around them quickly made them forget that Jesus Christ had already told them that they were going to be going to the other side. (Mark 4:35)”

With its classic syncopation, prominent organ and guitar, “God Said You’re Gonna Make It” is a familiar-sounding, comfortingly confident affirmation of the truth revealed to believers in the story of Jesus in the storm:

Don’t worry over thunder, because you’re not going under

God said you’re gonna make it, you’re gonna make it for the Master’s on board.

“The song, ‘God Said You’re Gonna Make It’ has encouraged our hearts greatly,”Fayth testifies. “It’s a reminder that God WILL do what He has promised to do in His Word. Oftentimes, we are guilty of letting our emotions and fear control our actions. This song encourages every Christian to be of good cheer. If God said you’re gonna make it, then you’re gonna make it, because He is on board!”

Listen to “God Said You’re Gonna Make It” HERE.

Christian Singer and American Idol Alum Mandisa Passed Away at 47.

Grammy-winning singer Mandisa, who rose to fame on season five of “American Idol,” passed away on Thursday, April 18.

The news was confirmed early Friday morning on the Grammy winner's official Facebook page. 

"We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time."

She was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and former American Idol contestant. Popular hits include Overcomer, Good Morning, Stronger, and My Deliverer.

 A post on the artist's Facebook page said early Friday: “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017.”

“Her own words say it best. I’m already home / You’ve got to lay it down / ‘cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone.”

The singer, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, shot to stardom after placing ninth on “American Idol.” She went on to win a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for her album “Overcomer.”

Originally from Sacramento, California, Mandisa grew up singing in church and studied vocal performance at American River College, and continued her studies at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, according to her record label artist bio. After college, she worked as a session and backup vocalists for artists including Shania Twain and Trisha Yearwood before going on "American Idol."

Talented Musical Family, The Browns, Release "Breakthrough"

StowTown Records has announced the release of a brand-new album from The Browns. Breakthrough features the gifted musical family at their very best, with the moving, rich harmonies and first-class arrangements that have made them a favorite among audiences nationwide. Breakthrough is distributed by Provident/Sonyand is available today for download and streaming HERE.

Growing up near the quiet town of Le Mars, The Browns enjoyed the simple pleasures of life on a farm in rural Iowa. Their natural love for music quickly began to capture the attention of the locals and before long, that local attention turned to national acclaim. Over the years, their musical talents have afforded them the opportunity to travel across the country, yet their love for their home community runs deep. A testament to this lies in their commitment to develop the Browns Century Theater, a historic building in downtown Le Mars that the family bought and remodeled just a few years ago in order to present concerts and theatrical events in their hometown. Although the majority of their time is spent at the theater, the group continues to travel nationally, presenting live events in support of new music like their brand-new release from StowTown.

Breakthrough is the eighth recording on which The Browns have partnered with multi-award winning producer and arranger, Wayne Haun. “I remember seeing The Browns for the first time in Owensboro, Kentucky, at a talent contest,” recalls Wayne. “They were all kids. In fact, Andrew was so small they had to stand him up in a chair to be seen. I knew there was great potential even then. Here we are some 20 years later, and they are all grown up and hitting a home run every night. Their voices are mature and unique. They have created their own sound that is fresh and commercial. I’m just grateful they let me be a part of the journey.”

The Browns have enjoyed a great relationship with Wayne through the years, and with his guidance, their primary focus continues to be on the songs themselves. “We love making music!” exclaims Michaela Brown. “These songs we chose for the Breakthrough album are songs that we not only love to sing, but also relate to on a personal level. We love the messages they convey, the hope they bring and the joy they spread to those who hear them!”

The debut single, the title cut “Breakthrough,” was shipped to radio in January 2023, and quickly made its debut in the Top 50. The success of the single was no surprise as the group has consistently appealed to radio listeners over the years and has enjoyed numerous Top 40 radio hits. Written by veteran songwriters Sue C. Smith, Shane Dunlap and Haun, “Breakthrough” is a song of encouragement to anyone who has ever faced life’s challenges. The song’s powerful message is complemented by a masterful arrangement that enraptures the listener to a place of confident peace.

In addition to “Breakthrough,” the recording is filled with several other original songs from talented writers like Don Koch, Joel Lindsey, Jeff Bumgardner and Marcia Henry, including “Move,” a fun song that combines fiddles with the electric guitar on a melodic line – a musical pairing first for Wayne Haun. Don Koch was a big musical influence for many, including Haun, during the 1990s; and so recording his brand-new song “No One Greater” is a highlight for all involved. Lyrically, the song celebrates the victory Christ offers during life’s storms. And the Browns always feature a classic on their albums. “Try A Little Kindness,” originally recorded by Glen Campbell, is sure to become a concert favorite among fans of The Browns.

For almost 20 years, The Browns have brought pleasure to listeners with their musical talents, rich family harmonies and exuberant on-stage energy. This latest release will no doubt bring listeners even more musical pleasure for decades to come.

 LINKS:

www.thebrownsmusic.com/

www.facebook.com/thebrownsmusic/

www.instagram.com/thebrownsmusic/

www.youtube.com/user/TheBrownsMusic

The Dixie Echoes announce new members, and other changes.

The Dixie Echoes are proud to announce the newest members of the quartet, baritone singer, Shannon Yates, and tenor singer, Buddy Bates.

Since 1960, The Dixie Echoes have been known for their great singing, uplifting concert performances, and impeccable harmonies. Led by group manager and lead singer, Randy Shelnut, that tradition continues with this newest lineup of the group. But…you might notice something a little different at the next concert you attend. After 28 years standing in the baritone position, “Scoot” Shelnut is moving one spot over, and will now take over the bass spot in the quartet.

“We’re so happy to have Shannon and Buddy as part of the Dixie Echoes. Both are great Christian men, and both are multitalented. These guys bring a certain versatility to the group, and we can’t wait for you to hear some of the unique and intricate harmonies we’re working on.” says Scoot Shelnut. “We’ve become known for singing TRUE 4-part harmony, which is a little different from most quartets singing now, and we are excited to bring back this beautiful and classy style of quartet singing to the forefront.”

Buddy Bates has been with the group since June of 2023, and has quickly become a fan favorite due to his classic tenor voice and friendly disposition. Buddy and his wife Lisa are from Fairfield, Ohio. He’s sung with such legendary groups as the Stamps Quartet, The Dixie Melody Boys, and the world-famous Blackwood Brothers.

Shannon Yates has been around Gospel Music his entire life. His dad, Roy Yates, was also a great singer, and traveled with quartets when Shannon was growing up. You may recognize Shannon from his tenure with the Singing News Horizon Award winning group, The Florida Melody Boys. His strong, yet smooth baritone voice is a fantastic addition to the Dixie Echoes. Shannon and his wife, Maria, and daughter, Kayla, live in Pensacola, Fl.

Go hear the Dixie Echoes when they come to your town. See their schedule at www.dixieechoes.com or follow them on Facebook.

STOWTOWN RECORDS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF LANDMARK RECORDING FROM LEGACY FIVE

StowTown Records has announced the release of a brand-new recording from the popular, multi-award-winning quintet, Legacy Five. The recording, appropriately titled 25, hits retail outlets today and celebrates the group’s 25-year legacy of sharing the message of the Gospel in song. “I can’t believe Legacy Five is in our 25th year,” group co-founder, Scott Fowler shares. “This recording is a labor of love, and we hope audiences will enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

This “labor of love” is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the blessings God has bestowed upon the group for the past two and a half decades. After the retirement of the popular Cathedral Quartet, the internationally known group Fowler traveled with for nearly a decade, he and fellow Cathedrals’ member and longtime friend, the late Roger Bennett, formed Legacy Five. Since that formation, God has brought them through numerous challenges and mountain-top experiences, His goodness and mercy sustaining them and allowing the group to enjoy much success. They have risen to the pinnacle of the Southern Gospel music genre.

Produced by multi-Grammy and Dove Award winner, Wayne Haun, 25 features nine classic L5 songs, re-recorded by the group’s current personnel, as well as four new songs which are sure to become L5 hits. This 13-song effort is filled with hope, encouragement and speaks of the steadfast grace and goodness of God.

The recording follows up the group’s Something New recording, which received the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award nomination for Southern Gospel Album of the Year, and features songs from such prolific writers as Belinda Smith, Joel Lindsey, Sue C. Smith, Gina Boe and Legacy Five group member Lee Black. The first-class male harmony is complemented by a full symphony orchestra with arrangements from the world’s finest orchestrators, including Haun, Brian Eads and Joel Mott.

The debut single from the project, “You Have Always Been My Shepherd,” was released to radio in February and is being embraced by audiences nationwide. Co-written by producer Wayne Haun, industry veteran Dave Clark and renowned CCM hit-maker Don Koch just weeks before Koch’s death, it is a compelling and heartfelt message of the Great Shepherd’s guidance each day and into eternity.

Longtime fans of Legacy Five will enjoy the group’s remake of “I Stand Redeemed,” one of their most popular songs ever released. This fan-favorite has been reimagined and arranged for the current L5 line-up, comprised of Fowler, Jake Losen, Matt Fouch, Lee Black and pianist Tim Parton.

StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene is delighted to release this new recording, commemorating the 25-year anniversary of the group, on the StowTown label. “Legacy Five has been a household name in Southern Gospel Music for more than two decades,” Beene states. “This project is the perfect balance of the fresh, new sound of L5, mixed in with those monumental moments that L5 fans have loved for 25 years. We are so honored to be a part of this great release!”

Legacy Five’s 25 is distributed worldwide exclusively by Provident/Sony and is available to download or stream here.

Links:

https://legacyfive.com

https://www.instagram.com/legacyfive/

https://www.facebook.com/legacyfive

https://www.youtube.com/LegacyFiveSings