Award-Winning Musician and Singer Gordon Mote Releases Album All Things New on New Haven Records

Nashville, TN (September 19, 2013) —- One of the most beloved and respected musicians/singers in the music industry, Gordon Mote, has released his latest project All Things New. The album was co-produced by Frank Rogers (Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker), and Dove-Award winning producers, Wayne Haun and Russell Mauldin. The project features vocal collaborations with such major artists as the Gaither Vocal Band, Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Matthew West, and Scotty McCreery. This is the second album by Mote for his new label, New Haven Records, and the project will be distributed to the faith-based market through Provident-Integrity Distribution.
“I wanted this project to encourage others to let the Lord use the rough parts of their lives for His glory just like He has in mine,” says Mote. “Being born blind, God has given me so many blessings in spite of the setbacks I have had in my life. If we’ll give God the chance to make all things new, He will.”
The powerful ballad, “Faith Like That,” is the first single being serviced to Christian radio, and the heartfelt lyrics were co-written by award-winning songwriters Don Sampson (“Waitin’ On A Woman”) and Jim Brown (“Five O’Clock Somewhere”). A noted songwriter himself, Mote co-wrote four songs on the new album including, “All Things New,” “Sound A Dream Makes,” “For You,” and the autobiographical “Broken Open.” The latter song describes Mote’s personal journey of clinging to his faith to overcome a broken heart and how God can lift us up even during our darkest hours.
“I had a wonderful childhood, but grew somewhat lonely as a teenager as my friends were getting driver’s licenses and leaving me behind,” explains Mote. “Whether you’re blind or not, all of us experience insecurities. I learned that my brokenness made me more open to God’s love as well as more sensitive to the brokenness in other’s lives.”
In spite of what society calls a handicap, Mote has miraculously overcome multiple obstacles with his blindness that include; playing piano at 3-years-old without any professional training, being the first blind student in the country to be accepted into the public school system, graduating high school with honors, receiving a full scholarship to Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL, and graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with Cum Laude honors and a music degree.
Two days after graduation, Mote began touring with Country artist Lee Greenwood’s band, which led to the talented musician touring and recording with such major superstars as Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley, Bob Seger, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Gaither Vocal Band, and Lionel Richie.
Mote’s keyboard skills led him to being honored twice by the Academy of Country Music for Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year Awards, as well as two Music Row Magazine Instrumentalist of the Year Awards for playing on the most Top Ten albums. Mote has released nine albums as an independent artist, with If You Could Hear What I See earning Mote his first Dove nomination in 2004. Mote remains an active touring act by performing over 150 dates a year.
For more information on Mote please visit his website, www.gordonmote.com and on twitter at @GordonMote.
About New Haven Records
New Haven Records is a Nashville-based music corporation that includes label, publishing, and film companies. For more than two decades, they have focused on the uniquely American genres of Black Gospel, Southern Gospel, and Country & Bluegrass Gospel.New Haven’s product is distributed to the mainstream through SONY Distribution and to the Christian marketplace through Provident Music Distribution. For additional information, go to www.newhavenrecords.com
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GMC TV PRESENTS "A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS"

GMC TV PRESENTS AN ORIGINAL LANDMARK

DOCUMENTARY MUSIC SPECIAL

”A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS: 25 YEARS OF BRINGING JOY TO THE WORLD”
An All-Star Line Up of Musicians Whose Contributions Over the Years Have Benefited Special Olympics

Hosted by Award-Winning Actress and Singer Vanessa Williams
U2, STEVIE WONDER, TRACY CHAPMAN, DARIUS RUCKER, STEVIE NICKS, JORDIN SPARKS, ERIC CLAPTON, MARTINA MCBRIDE, WYCLEF JEAN, FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI, TRAIN, JON BON JOVI, RUN-DMC AND MANY MORE

Premieres Saturday December 8 and Sunday December 9, 2012 at
9:00 PM (ET) Exclusively on GMC TV

Los Angeles, Calif. – November 27, 2012 — GMC TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting family entertainment, presents the original GMC World Premiere Music Special “A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years of Bringing Joy to the World,” a landmark documentary that celebrates a quarter-century of star-studded Christmas albums in support of Special Olympics. Hosted by award-winning actress and singer Vanessa Williams, the show features new performances by Francesca Battistelli, Martina McBride, Jordin Sparks, Train, Lauriana Mae, Grayson Sanders and Jono, memorable musical highlights from the past 25 years and interviews with many of the artists and others who have made the series the most successful music fundraising series of all time. “A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years of Bringing Joy to the World” premieres exclusively on GMC TV, Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. ET.


“A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years of Bringing Joy to the World” is an in-depth look at the people and moments that have made the series such an astronomical success including interviews with Jimmy and Vicki Iovine, who produced and conceived the first album in 1987, as well as members of the Shriver family – Maria, Tim, Bobby and the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver - who founded Special Olympics in 1968.



Other artists featured in the special include, BB King, Bob Seger, Colbie Caillat, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Darius Rucker, Darlene Love, Eric Clapton, Hootie & the Blowfish, John Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi, Madonna, No Doubt, Randy Travis, Ronnie Spector, Run-DMC, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Sting, The Pointer Sisters, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Tracy Chapman, Train, U2, Whitney Houston and Wyclef Jean.



“We are extremely proud to be the network home of this extraordinary documentary, which weaves together the inspirational stories of Special Olympics and the ‘A Very Special Christmas’ album series—the most successful continuous charity effort in the history of the music industry,” said GMC TV Vice Chairman Brad Siegel. “From the opening note, audiences will be mesmerized by the show-stopping performances from a who’s who in the music world and inspired by the extraordinary efforts of the athletes. I’m sure viewers will find ‘A Very Special Christmas’ to be the most unique, inspiring and fun Christmas special of the year.”



Added Tim Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman of the Board and CEO: “Over the past 25 years, seven ‘A Very Special Christmas’ albums have generated over $109 million in royalties and investment proceeds for Special Olympics and its athletes, making it one of our largest single sources of funding. We are extremely excited that GMC TV is telling the story of this remarkable effort that has changed lives and celebrates the music and musicians that have made it all possible.”

“A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years of Bringing Joy to the World” also features an exclusive performance by platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks performing the Christmas classic, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” backed by a choir. “I grew up listening to the ‘A Very Special Christmas’ albums, which always include some of my all-time favorite artists singing the Christmas songs I love,” said Sparks. “I’m truly thrilled to be a part of this anniversary celebration and to support Special Olympics.”



“I am deeply honored to serve as host for this delightful musical special chronicling 25 years of ‘A Very Special Christmas,’” said Vanessa Williams. “I am very passionate about Special Olympics and have had the pleasure of recording songs for two of the albums, including one recorded live at the White House, which remains a highlight of my career.”



Created by Jimmy and Vicki Iovine and Bobby Shriver, along with Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, the “A Very Special Christmas” series has brought together top musical artists, who donated their time and talent, as well as publishers and record labels, which gave their consent and waived royalties. Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Sting, Run-DMC, Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Wyclef Jean, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Mary J. Blige, Eric Clapton and Tracy Chapman are just a few of the artists who have recorded songs for the series, including, music videos and three television specials filmed in Los Angeles and at the White House in Washington, DC.



Recalling the time in 1987 when U2 was first approached to participate in the original “A Very Special Christmas” album, Bono said: “When Jimmy Iovine came to us with this idea and I discovered the kind of people who were at the heart of the project, I knew it was something we couldn’t turn down.”


This year, for first time in the series’ history, two albums were released simultaneously. “A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years Bringing Joy to the World” features songs performed by Christina Aguilera, Francesca Battistelli, Michael Bublé, Cheap Trick, Vince Gill, Jewel, Amy Grant, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, One Republic, Rascal Flatts, Train, Martina McBride, Jordin Sparks Lauriana Mae, Jono, Grayson Sanders and the Wonder Girls. The second album, “A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth,” features songs by Christian artists Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, BarlowGirl, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Jason Castro, Group 1 Crew, for KING & COUNTRY, Dara Maclean, Jamie Grace, Mark Schultz, Natalie Grant, NEEDTOBREATH, Point of Grace, and Sidewalk Prophets. Both albums were released on October 16.



GMC TV presents “A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years Bringing Joy to the World” Hosted by Vanessa Williams. Executive produced by Sandy Shapiro and Peter Wheeler. Co-executive produced by Duane Tudahl. Music Producer is Tisha Fein. Editors are Tudor Applan, Andrew Ciancia and Duane Tudahl. Music Consultant is David Wild. Studio Shoot directed by Rex Humbard.



ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS


Special Olympics is an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly four million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics is able to deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 53,000 competitions throughout the year. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics; fb.com/specialolympics; youtube.com/specialolympicshq, and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.



ABOUT GMC TV
GMC TV (www.watchgmctv.com) is America’s favorite network for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council ™ has twice awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC TV for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” The network presents original and acquired movies, series, stage plays and music specials. GMC TV also provides gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service. The GMC TV brand is reflected in “Uplift Someone,” the network’s successful pro-social initiative. GMC TV can be seen in more than 58 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DISH Network on channel 188, DIRECTV on channel 338 and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

NASHVILLE MUSIC GARDEN’S FIRST EVER “COUNTRY MUSIC BLOOMS ONLINE AUCTION” RAISES FUNDS TO HELP KEEP NASHVILLE BEAUTIFUL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –The Nashville Music Garden’s first-ever “Country Music Blooms Online Auction,” which launched on Black Friday, November 25 and continued through Monday, December 5, raised more than $15,000, to help sustain the garden and continue to help keep Nashville beautiful. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Nashville Music Garden Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which endows the future care and support of the garden so the community, Country music fans and visitors to the city can enjoy it for generations to come.

 

The auction, which featured a unique selection of celebrity-owned items – straight from the closets of Country music’s finest – was held on eBay so that garden and country music enthusiasts from across the world could have the opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind items from their favorite celebrities. Bidders across the globe from the United Kingdom to Thailand, as well as across the United States, from New York to Florida and from California to Massachusetts, bid vigorously throughout the auction. In the end, the lucky winners landed exceptional holiday gifts for the country music lovers in their lives and incomparable keepsakes for their own collections. The auction certainly encouraged the holiday spirit and generous supporters helped the Nashville Music Garden exceed fundraising goals. “With the success of the auction, thanks to the incredible generosity and support of the bidders and the celebrities who donated items, the Nashville Music Garden will continue to grow and thrive,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

The success of the inaugural auction is undoubtedly the result of the thoughtful donations of many esteemed country legends and hot contemporary stars, who not only graciously donated priceless personal keepsakes and treasured memorabilia, but who also helped promote their items as well. These include: Barbara Mandrell, Brenda Lee, Brooks & Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Christian Kane, Danny Gokey, Darryl Worley, Darius Rucker, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Kristen Chenoweth, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Little Jimmy Dickens, Love and Theft, Manuel, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert Pam Tillis, Sara Evans, Scotty McCreery, Sugarland, Tim McGraw, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, Zac Brown Band and many more.

 

The auction was also made possible by the extra support offered by Anderson Design Group and Spirit of Nashville, Fontanel Mansion & Farm, Jaime Dudney,  RFD-TV, Tessa Atkins, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Country Network (TCN) , and by all of those who bid on items.

Grammy® Award Winner Jason Crabb Joins 1 For All Campaign To Support Bill Of Rights Day

Popular Christian Male Vocalist Supports #FreeToTweet Day on Twitter, Contest Offers High School and College Students Chance to Win Scholarships
Dec. 14, 2011 – Nashville, TN – Christian music favorite Jason Crabb has added his name to the list of artists and celebrities speaking out in support of the 220th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Jason joins lauded musicians Wynonna, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Frankie Ballard, Darius Rucker, The Civil Wars, Heart, John Oates, Joe Nichols and more. A full list of supporters can be found here: http://1forall.us/freetotweet
Jason joins the 1 For All campaign by participating in “Free To Tweet,” a daylong online celebration of First Amendment rights on Dec. 15, Bill of Rights Day. During the tweetathon, all Americans are encouraged to tweet their support of the First Amendment and how they enjoy those freedoms – using the hashtag #FreeToTweet.
High School and college students nationwide are eligible to win one of 22 $5,000 scholarships by tweeting creatively about the First Amendment. More information can be found at FreeToTweet.org.
“I thank God and our forefathers for the ability and freedom to sing and tell others about Jesus Christ every single weekend all across this country,” says Crabb. “I am honored to join the 1 For All campaign in support of the 220th Anniversary of Bill Of Rights.”
The 1 for All campaign is the largest of its kind in scope and reach and uses a fresh approach by featuring public figures celebrating their freedoms to tweet, rock, write, read, sing, worship, assemble, petition and much more. For more information on the campaign, visit www.FreeToTweet.org
About “1 for All”
“1 for All” is a non-partisan, educational campaign that was launched in 2010 to address a general lack of awareness by the American public about the five freedoms afforded by the First Amendment. Initial support for campaign was provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Newseum, McCormick Foundation, American Society of News Editors, First Amendment Center and Gannett Foundation. In addition, more than 1,000 news organizations, religious groups and educational institutions have devoted their time and resources in support of the “1 for All” campaign.

About Jason Crabb
Jason Crabb is known as one of the most respected and diverse vocalists in Christian music.  His soulful, heartfelt vocals have made him a critics’ pick and a fan favorite on stages ranging from “The Grand Ole Opry” and the Brooklyn Tabernacle to the Gaither Homecoming arena platforms.  With a string of number one hits and chart-topping singles, a tour schedule of over 200 dates annually, ongoing tv appearances, a book on the shelves and a new recording, this vocal powerhouse’s talent is topped only by his genuine personality and concern for others. 

NASHVILLE MUSIC GARDEN’S “COUNTRY MUSIC BLOOMS ONLINE AUCTION” LAUNCHES JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – November 15, 2011 – Those who dream of a backstage meeting with Martina McBride, wearing one of LeAnn Rimes’ trendy dresses, getting a line of inspiration from Keith Urban before writing their own hit song, or walking a mile in Miranda Lambert’s boots, can bid on these items and more while supporting the only public garden in the world that pays tribute to the artists, songs and industry leaders who have contributed to making Music City one of the most unique cities in the world. The Nashville Music Garden will launch its first-ever online auction, “Country Music Blooms Online Auction,” on Black Friday, November 25 on www.nashvillemusicgarden.com/auction-items, with an array of country-music-celebrity-owned items – straight from the celebrities’ closets. Bidding on eBay will be open through December 5 and the auction will officially close at 9 p.m. CST.

The most respected country legends and the hottest contemporary stars, including Barbara Mandrell, Brenda Lee, Lynn Anderson, Pam Tillis, Little Jimmy Dickens, Darius Rucker, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Manuel, Martina McBride, Sugarland, Love and Theft, and many more, have graciously donated priceless one-of-a-kind personal items along with treasured memorabilia and keepsakes to help sustain the highly visible Nashville Music Garden, one of the city's increasingly popular destinations.

Auction highlights, viewable with details and back-story at www.nashvillemusicgarden.com/auction-items