Inspirations Celebrate 50th Anniversary with God’s Word Will Stand

In 1964, five boys from Bryson City started a Gospel tradition that continues to this day. God’s Word Will Stand captures the classic sound that has made the Inspirations one of the most instantly recognizable groups in any genre of music. It also marks the return of two longtime alumni, fan favorites Melton Campbell and Matt Dibler. The title track is an anthem to believers on the power of God’s Word and the lasting promise He has made to the world. That theme continues in the simple and traditional delivery of “News From Heaven,” written by group member Jon Epley. The stripped down and pure “It’s Just About to Begin” and the stirring and powerful “Land of Promise” continue their trademark of recording great songs about Heaven, reminding us that the struggles we face are only temporary. After fifty years, The Inspirations are still setting the gold standard for authentic quartet music. God’s Word Will Stand is a testament to the group’s enduring appeal and lasting legacy that has offered inspiration to their fans for half a century. Preview and purchase today at iTunes, AmazonMP3, and Crossroads.

Crossroads, Kingdom Heirs, and Old Paths Celebrate #1 Hits

September 11th, The Kingdom Heirs, The Old Paths, and representatives of Sonlite Records, a division of Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing, gathered at the Cardinal Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky to celebrate two recent #1 hits. The Old Paths’ radio single “God’s Great,” written by Rodney Birch, was #1 on the June 2013 Singing News Top 80 chart. The Kingdom Heirs’ #1, “Just Beyond the Sunset,” written by Dianne Wilkinson, is #1 on the current October 2013 Singing News Top 80 chart.”What a run it’s been,” said Kingdom Heirs baritone and manager Steve French. “It took us several years to ever reach that #1 position but now we’ve had eight to make it to the top. That’s what happens when you have great songs, a great production, and the best radio department in the business!”Old Paths baritone and manager Douglas Roark added, “We never imagined coming out of the gate with #1 songs. But to have two in a row, back to back, is just unbelievable. We owe so much to our record company, Crossroads Entertainment and especially to Jim Stover for doing such a great job representing our songs in the world of radio. We couldn’t be more excited!”
Chris White, President of Sonlite Records, commented: “It’s not often that you get to work with what may be two of the best quartets to ever have sung a note in our business. That’s what we’ve got with the Kingdom Heirs and The Old Paths. As well, they are both very serious about how they present the music with their abundance of talent and with the message these songs contain. We’re thrilled with our association with each of these artists.”
The Old Paths’ follow-up single, “He’s My Song,” has been heating up the charts; it has already reached the #6 position on the November 2013 chart. Meanwhile, the Kingdom Heirs’ new single, “The Borrowed Tomb,” is off to a strong start, as the #1 most added song for Singing News’ November 2013 Top New Releases chart.
Photo:
From left to right: Dennis Murphy (Kingdom Heirs), Tim Rackley (The Old Paths), Jerry Martin (Kingdom Heirs), Andy Stringfield (Kingdom Heirs), Jeremy Peace (The Old Paths), Kreis French (Kingdom Heirs), Douglas Roark (The Old Paths), Steve French (Kingdom Heirs), Chris White (Crossroads), Daniel Ashmore (The Old Paths), Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs)

The Skyline Boys Announce Exciting Changes

Nashville, TN (August 29th, 2013) – Powerhouse quartet, the Skyline Boys, are pleased to announce exciting changes and happenings with the group.

The first is the return of one member and the addition of another. Outstanding tenor singer, Jodi Hosterman, is back with the Skyline Boys. The group is thrilled to welcome him, along with a brand new addition, lead singer, Brian Alvey. Alvey, who is new to the Skyline Boys, is not at all new to Gospel music. Both gentlemen have vast experience and tremendous talent. The two, along with bass singer and group owner, Dennis Powers, and baritone singer, Chris Little, are excited about the days, months, and years ahead as they strive together to serve God and share the music that tells the story of His love.

The latest great news for the prominent Southern Gospel Quartet is a brand new, long term booking agreement with the acclaimed Dominion Agency (one entity of the mutil-faceted Michael Davis & Associates). Dennis Powers shares, "God is doing things we couldn't do and we are very excited about being with Michael Davis at Dominion Agency. We have a new project being released at NQC called " Favorite Hymns and Classics Vol. 2 with special guest Squire Parsons helping us on " Beulah Land. Everything we do is only possible because of the hope of Christ and our prayer is that every door He leads us through will lead us and others closer to Him."

Another highlight is that the group is back in the studio at Crossroads with producer, Jeff Collins, working on a dynamic new recording. Collins expresses, "It's great to be working again, in the studio here at Crossroads, producing the Skyline Boys, with Dennis, Chris, and new members Jodi Hosterman and Brian Alvey. I'm excited with the tracks we recently recorded and look forward to the upcoming vocal sessions at the end of September. This line up of singers promises to be one of the strongest yet for the quartet. In our preproduction sessions I've been blown away by the ability of this group of guys. I've known and worked with Jodi, Brian, Chris and Dennis in different groups before but there seems to be a special and unique blend that this specific group possesses. I can't wail until we get the project completed so folks can hear this fantastic quartet!"

The group's current single "Cool Drink Of Water" is now playing and climbing the charts on Southern Gospel radio around the world. Be listening for it and be watching for more great things to come from this quartet.

To learn more about the Skyline Boys, visit www.theskylineboys.com.

To learn more about all of the artists who call the Dominion Agency home, visit dominionagency.com and michaeldavisandassociates.com. To schedule the Skyline Boys and other wonderful artists with Michael Davis And Associates, call 828-454-5900 or email michael@michaeldavisandassociates.com.

To learn more about Crossroads, visit Crossroads Music at www.crossroadsmusic.com.

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Pictured: THE SKYLINE BOYS (l to r)- Jodi Hosterman, Brian Alvey, Chris Little, and Dennis Powers

Kingdom Heirs Celebrate #1 Hit "Just Preach Jesus"

Sonlite Records President Chris White recently presented The Kingdom Heirs with plaques commemorating their recent #1 hit song, "Just Preach Jesus." The song reached #1 on the April 2013 Singing News Radio Airplay Chart.

"A little over 25 years ago, the Kingdom Heirs' first single, 'Test Of Time,' went to #2, just missing #1," White said. "Many years later, we still hadn't reached the top of the charts, beginning to wonder if we ever would. Now, the group has had a very impressive run to the top and 'Just Preach Jesus' may be the best so far. Its message makes it both timely and timeless."

Kingdom Heirs manager Steve French agreed, adding: "'Just Preach Jesus' is a song of encouragement for our preachers and pastors. The key to our sermons and what we tell the world about is the same for today as it was for 2000 years, and that's to tell a lost world about Jesus."

The Kingdom Heirs' current single, "Just Beyond the Sunset," is quickly following "Just Preach Jesus" to the top of the charts. The month it released to radio, it was the song selected by the most radio DJs as a pick hit; in only its second month on the chart, it has already climbed to #20.



CAPTION: From left to right: Steve French, Arthur Rice, Jeff Chapman, Kreis French, Chris White, Dennis Murphy, Andy Stringfield, Jerry Martin.



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About Crossroads:


Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Performance Track fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music.

NQC for Under 20 Bucks!

IF YOU WERE THERE, REMEMBER IT!

IF YOU WEREN’T THERE, EXPERIENCE IT!

Each year, thousands of concert goers flock to Louisville, KY for the annual National Quartet Convention. While there, Southern Gospel music fans are treated to night after night (six total) of exciting and heart-stirring performances from over 100 of their favorite groups. For the twelfth year in a row, Crossroads in conjunction with NQC’s Board of Directors, brings you NQC Live Volume 12 a collection of some of this year’s greatest moments, on DVD, with a bonus CD included free!

Experience the excitement that comes from being among the thousands of music lovers as they cheer on groups like The Hoppers, The Talleys, Tribute Quartet, Greater Vision, The Collingsworth Family, The Kingdom Heirs and many more!



Tell Me Why Kingdom Heirs

Homesick Angel Tribute Quartet

There Is No Other Name Crist Family

A Pile Of Crowns Greater Vision

Living In The Palace Legacy Five

Little Bit Of Sunshine Jeff and Sheri Easter

I Won't Trade My Crown Down East Boys

I Played In The Band Booth Brothers

Broken People Mark Bishop

I Can Trust Jesus Collingsworth Family

Surely Goodness & Mercy Talleys

There Is A Fountain Kim Hopper, Kim Collingsworth and TaRanda Greene

The Old White Flag Triumphant Quartet

The King Is Coming Mark Trammell Quartet

I Sing The Mighty Power Of God Hoppers

Joy Has Come Karen Peck and New River

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms Channing Eleton

I'll Fly Away (with Over The Moon) Josh Singletary



Bonus features from the showcases Hymns For the Ages, A Touch of Christmas, Strings & Keys and Laugh Out Loud.

NQC Live 2012 will be available at Crossroads, and in stores everywhere December 18, 2012 .

New Music From Mark Bishop August 21

For the past decade, Mark Bishop has traveled as a soloist and we’ve benefited from the time he’s spent getting to his engagements. If you were to ask Mark where he does a lot of his songwriting, the answer might come back “Interstate 40” or some other highway or backroad.

Matter-of-fact, we did ask Mark about it. He said, “Yes, I have two writing places. Foremost, eighty percent of my songs come to me while driving, since I do so much of it. The other twenty percent is on my front porch swing here at home. I’m not much for writing in a cubicle or an office!”

As an artist, Mark is a unique Gospel music treasure, but even more so because of the many wonderful songs he’s written. We’re all beneficiaries of the blessings they bring.

A Mark Bishop song will always include spiritual depth and biblical accuracy, but occasionally he alludes to the yet-to-be-revealed joys of the sweet by and by, like he does on this album with “An Old Stone The Lord Rolled Away” and “They Can’t Receive Their Reward.” Mark also tackled the topic in previous outings in the songs “I Got Here As Fast As I Could” and “Blue Skies.”

It’s very likely Mark Bishop pulled over to write many of these outstanding new songs, and we believe you’ll be compelled to “pull over” and listen. Mark Bishop writes songs filled with heart. God’s heart.

I Can Rejoice will be available at Crossroads, iTunes, Amazon and in stores everywhere August 14, 2012.

New Music From the Harper Family

What is so great about family bands? They always seem to have a natural chemistry and the ability to fit together just right.

Bluegrass has a tradition of great family groups, from the Carter Family to Cherryholmes. In this tradition, where great music is the norm, The Harper Family rises to the top.

They exemplify what is so magical about a fine family Bluegrass outfit; seamless playing and singing and an effortless blend that make complex music seem easy.

But this group from Missouri has something extra. They can do all of the above better than most in the business. This first major release, Changes, is a stunning recording with a perfect mix of all Gospel songs that spotlight the incredible talent of this group.

Changes grabs your attention immediately with the opening mandolin/guitar duel on “Salt and Light.” From an epic rendering of “King’s Ransom” to a creative remake of the classic “I’ll Live Again,” this project will make Southern Gospel fans love their sound and bluegrass fans love their message.

We think you will agree—the Harper Family is the future of Gospel Bluegrass!

Changes will be available August, 21 at Crossroads, iTunes, and Amazon. You can preview samples here.

The Future of Southern Gospel at Crossroads

From Crossroads Music:

You may think you know all the great quartets on the road right now. Let us introduce you to fresh new recordings from two up-and-coming quartets that will quickly become household names.

Soul’d Out Quartet: What the World Doesn’t Know
From the opening notes to the final melodic phrase, this album is a delightful musical journey covering every stylistic flavor and flair that makes the Southern Gospel genre so rich.

There’s straight ahead quartet singing in “All Things Are Possible,” a catchy pop flavor to “If You’ll Just Ask Him,” and even a richly orchestrated 1940’s feel on “Since I’ve Been Saved,” all of which were artfully crafted by group member and songwriter, Matt Rankin.

What the World Doesn’t Know is a masterpiece of praise to the Master and Maker of all. This album solidly establishes Soul’d Out Quartet as a dynamic force to be reckoned with.

They’re here to be heard and they’re here to stay!

The Old Paths: Right Now
The foundation of Southern Gospel has always been great quartets, and the Old Paths carry that tradition in a new way. They might be fresh young faces to the scene, but their vocals have the drive and energy of HeavenBound and the Hinsons. There’s a powerhouse vocalist at every part!

Committed to the cause and calling of Christ, the group’s name was taken from the Old Testament verse Jeremiah 6:16, which sets them on a steady course.

Right Now will propel The Old Paths to new and even greater heights. Ballads like “The Blood on My Hands” and energetic uptempo numbers like “I Know My God Can Do It” and “When It All Starts Happening” are delivered with equal command. It’s the perfect primer for the singing style that built and sustains Southern Gospel music!

This album shows why The Old Paths are already in demand at some of the largest churches in America. Right Now is a definite right on!

Pinnacle Welcomes Gospel Soloist Donnie Rabon

June 1, 2011 - Arden, NC Young evangelist, singer, and songwriter Donnie Rabon has joined the Crossroads family, signing a contract with Pinnacle Records. Rabon, a native of Fairmont, N.C., has been traveling full time since 2007, singing at concert venues, prayer conferences and youth camps as well as preaching at 40 + revivals each year.

At 33, Rabon has already been featured in Singing News Magazine and received a SGM nomination for New Excelling Artist. Although he has worked in the business most of his life, this is his first release on a major Southern Gospel label.

“I am so honored to be a Crossroads/Pinnacle artist,” Rabon says, “To be part of a family of people who serve God with such notable excellence is a dream come true.”

Rabon, who has already had top 80 Singing News chart success, plans to release the first single off the new project on the Crossroads Music Sampler this summer. The full project will release on August 16.

Pictured Above L to R: Donnie Rabon and Jeff Collins