Getting To Know The 2014 Diamond Award Nominees for the JD Sumner Living Legend Award

The annual Diamond Awards recognize the best in Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music and are hosted by SGNScoops digital magazine and Coastal Media Group. Originating in 1991, they were the first Southern Gospel fan-based awards and are still open to everyone, no subscription required. The Diamond Awards are currently held during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, November 3rd to 6th, Pigeon Forge TN.

Since January 2014, voting has been held to select the nominees for this year's Diamond Awards, to be held at Creekside Gospel Music Convention at Pigeon Forge on November 3rd through 6th. Artists were selected by voters from across the internet to become a top-ten nominee and then a top-five nominee. Voting commenced on the top-five selections and has now closed.

SGN Scoops would like you to meet our top-five finalists for each category of the 2014 Diamond Awards. Today's category is the JD Sumner Living Legend Award.

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD: A once-in-a-lifetime honor to recognize the living performer for whom the fans feel has made the greatest contribution to Southern Gospel music over a career spanning 25 years or more. (Note: previous winners are no longer eligible for this award)

2014 Top Five Finalists:
1. Michael English
2. Karen Peck Gooch
3. Tim Riley
4. Ed O'Neal
5. Gerald Crabb

Get Your Free Tickets For The Diamond Awards At Creekside 2014 here

Matt Felts To Leave Dixie Melody Boys

From Matt Felts

For the last four years I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with Ed O’Neal and the Dixie Melody Boys. I’ve been so blessed to be embraced by their wonderful friends and fans all across the country. This season has seen some great times for the group including the 50th Anniversary Reunion, numerous awards and many great concerts. When I joined I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be a member of the “Ed O’Neal University”. It’s more than just a group. It’s being part of a fraternity that you’re always a part of. As many of you know, I fly from Nashville to North Carolina every week to meet the guys. Like many things the cost of flights have gone up drastically over the last couple years. This coupled with God’s leading in a new path have brought me to announce my departure from the Dixie Melody Boys. I want to thank Ed for an incredible four years. I will never forget the songs, the miles and the many laughs. Some may say I’m graduating but you never truly leave the Dixie Melody Boys. It a family you’re always a part of. There will be an announcement soon about the new doors God has opened but for now I just wanted to thank all of you and Ed.

Matt Felts

Ed O'Neal Honored By SGN Scoops

Pigeon Forge, TN (October 28, 2013): Hall of Legend Ed O'Neal was honored on Monday night by the SGN Scoops Digital Magazine. The tribute was held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as part of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. Presented by Rob Patz and SGN Scoops, the evening was hosted by Gaither Homecoming star Larry Ford and Jonathan Edwards.
Several former members including Bryan Walker and Joe Kitson were on hand to pay tribute as well as a letter from Rodney Griffin and touching comments from the current members.
The evening included performances by Three Bridges, the Skyline Boys, Pauls Journey and the Dixie Melody Boys.
The audience was also able to hear incredible memories as Ed told many stories from the past. It was an special night in Gospel music history honoring one of its true treasures, Ed O'Neal.
The event will be televised at a later date.
For more information, go to http://www.sgnscoops.com/ or http://www.dixiemelodyboys.com/ .

TONIGHT! Tribute To Ed O'Neal To Be Hosted By Lou Hildreth, Larry Ford with Guests Three Bridges

Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN (October 28, 2013) - Monday, October 28 is the date to honor the legacy of Ed O'Neal at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN. Hosts Lou Wills Hildreth and Larry Ford will present an evening of memories, music and merriment as they lead the audience through the life and career of this Gospel music great.

Ed O'Neal will be joined by current and past members of the Dixie Melody Boys, the group he has led for several decades.

SGN Scoops is very excited that Three Bridges will also be making a guest appearance Monday night for the tribute to Ed O'Neal at the Smoky Moutain Convention Center.

"I was a young Gospel singer in the early 70’s when I first met Ed O’Neal and one thing that sticks out in my mind is that he has never changed," says Elliott McCoy of Three Bridges. "He was a true gentleman then and he is still a true gentleman today."

The tribute will begin at 7:00pm and will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Centre, 4010 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The admission is free so if you can, please come and join us and a host of Gospel music groups for a great evening of Gospel music.

For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ The Convention which is being held from October 28 through 30, encompasses three nights and two days of music, showcases and devotionals by Dr. Jeff Steele.

Tuesday afternoon is the Patterson Promotions showcase and the 2013 Diamond Awards. Wednesday brings the Old Time Gospel Sing and another evening of great gospel music.

Tickets are free for the entire event. For more information click on to: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ or email Rhonda Frye rhonda@sgnscoops.com or Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com

October 2013 SGNScoops Magazine Now Available

The staff at SGNScoops proudly presents the October Edition of SGNScoops Magazine. Gracing our cover this month is Ed O’Neal and the Dixie Melody Boys. We will be honoring Ed later this month at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. You can find out how to be a part of that in the latest Creekside update in this issue.

Other ministries highlighted are, The Lesters, 11th Hour, Ivan Parker and the Dove Brothers. Catch the Younger Perspective with Amber Nelon, and Christian Country News featuring Mikayla Lynn.

This month we congratulate our publisher, Rob Patz for twenty years in the Gospel Music Industry. Don’t miss this story- especially the side-bar containing notes of congratulations from industry professionals, friends and peers.

This issue wraps up an era of Quartet Conventions in Louisville and also re-caps a recent Women of Faith conference. Believe it or not….There is more! Don’t miss encouragement from Dr. Jeff Steele, Reflections With Sherry Anne, Life, Love and Legends by Lou Wills Hildreth and with get the latest music reviews by Sandi Duncan Clark. The latest in Southern Gospel Music is tastefully presented and laid out professionally, by Pete and Staci Schwager and is tucked behind a beautiful cover designed by Stephanie Kelley.

SGNScoops Magazine is free! Please share with friends, family and fans.

Find the magazine here

Get Your Free Tickets Here And Join Us For Creekside 2013 In Pigeon Forge Tn October 28th 29th & 30th

Join Us In Branson Mo May 5th 6th & 7th For Great Southern Gospel Music

Tim Lovelace To Host 2013 Diamond Awards

Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN (October 15, 2013) – The 2013 Diamond Awards are just a few weeks away and this year’s exciting host will be Gospel artist and comedian extraordinaire, Tim Lovelace! Presented by SGN Scoops, the Awards will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as part of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. Reserved tickets for this event are free and can still be obtained at http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ .

"I am excited that they are letting an old chunk of coal like me host the Diamond Awards,” says Lovelace. “It is going to be a multifaceted event that you will not want to miss!"

Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group and publisher of SGNScoops, commented, “The Diamond Awards are always a special time of honoring the Gospel artists that fill our world with the music we love,” said Patz. “We are thrilled to have Tim Lovelace join us this year to share his special gifts with us as well. It promises to be a great night and we hope that everyone will join us!”

SGN Scoops encourages Gospel music fans across the country to plan today to attend the 2013 Creekside Gospel Music Convention. It will be a great week of the best in Southern Gospel music. Monday night will see Lou Hildreth honor the legendary Ed O’Neal. The Old Time Gospel Sing will be presented on Tuesday afternoon with the 2013 Diamond Awards slated for 8:00pm that evening. The Convention will also present the Pauline Patterson Showcase on Wednesday morning and daily devotions with Dr. Jeff Steele.

The Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be presented on October 28, 29 and 30th at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Tickets for this event are free but must be reserved at http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ . Special room rates are available onsite and can be reserved by phone or online. By phone, call toll free at: 1-800-223-6707 or local call 865-908-3015. For online reservations, click onto http://www.smokymountainconventioncenter.com .

For more information regarding the 2013 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, please email Rhonda at rhonda@sgnscoops.com or Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com .

Dixie Melody Boys Announce Lead Singer

The Dixie Melody Boys are excited to announce one of Gospel music’s best lead singers, Josh Garner, as their new member. The group began their search over two months ago when Mike Rogers resigned and had them listening to over 400 demos and auditioning numerous men. “This has been different than most of the times I have hired someone to fill a position. We heard so many great singers and we even thought we had found the right man a few times but it just wasn‘t the right fit.” said Ed O’Neal. “I have always loved Josh’s voice. I have even tried to hire him a few times in the past but the timing was never right. I am thrilled to have him join us.” added Ed.
The fans of Gospel music will remember Josh as the last lead singer for the Florida Boys as well as from the Gaither Homecoming Series. For the last five years he has been with Freedom, a trio that he founded with John Rulapaugh. Josh has been nominated numerous times as Favorite Lead Singer and is widely acknowledged as one of Gospel music’s all-time great lead singers. “Josh called me and offered to help us by filling in until we could find someone. It made looking for someone easy knowing he was on stage with us until we found the right person. His first night with us felt as if we had been singing together for years. Over the next few weeks both he and the group knew the right guy for the job was already there. Josh is a great addition to our team. I know the fans will be excited about seeing him with us.” stated Matt Felts.
The Dixie Melody Boys have already been in the studio with Josh and will release the new album soon. The project comes off the success of their fiftieth anniversary album, The Call Is Still The Same, and promises to be a hit. Josh will join the group mid August and will appear with them for the first time at NQC on Tuesday and Wednesday night. To check the Dixie Melody Boys schedule go towww.dixiemelodyboys.com

Creekside Gospel Music Convention Countdown!

Do you enjoy great Gospel Music? It's only THREE MONTHS until the Second Annual Creekside Gospel Music Convention at Pigeon Forge. Please join us for three days of fun, faith and fellowship at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, October 28th, 29th and 30th. All events are free to the public, including morning chapel with Dr. Jeff Steele, afternoon showcases and even the evening concerts!

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Monday October 28:
Evening - Lou Wills Hildreth presents a Tribute to Ed O'Neal of the Dixie Melody Boys

Tuesday October 29:
Morning concert by Patterson Promotions. Special guests are the Boynton Elementary Chorus.
Afternoon: Matinee Gospel music presentation
Evening: 2013 Diamond Awards gala presentation

Wednesday October 30:
Afternoon matinee: Golden State Quartet presents the Old Time Gospel Sing
Evening: Gospel music presentation and Convention closure


The Creekside Gospel Music Convention is presented by SGNScoops.com. We are your source for Southern Gospel, Christian Country and Gospel Music. We keep the news current on our website and offer a free monthly online magazine. Every issue includes features, new music reviews, concert stories and more. Check out our website at http://www.sgnscoops.com/.

For more information about Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ or email Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention: Free Tickets Now Available

Make your plans now to attend the 2nd annual Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, October 28, 29 and 30, 2013. Three days of chapel services, matinee events and evening concerts, full of music and ministry perfect for your fall getaway or retreat. Special features include an evening to honor Ed O'Neal of the Dixie Melody Boys; the 2013 Diamond Awards; and daily preaching by Jeff Steele.

Sign Up For Your Free Tickets For Creekside 2013 http://creekside2013.eventbrite.com/

Visit the Creekside website today for more information.

Dixie Melody Boys Announce Aaron Dishman As New Baritone And Piano Player

The Dixie Melody Boys have announced the addition of Aaron Dishman to the legendary group as their new baritone and piano player. The group announced last month that Steven Cooper would be stepping down due to vocal issues but will stay on as their bass guitar player.

“Aaron had filled with us in a few years ago at piano. We fell in love with his spirit. When this came open, we knew he would be a great fit.” Said Ed O’Neal.

Aaron Dishman is 26 and lives in Mississippi with his wife Erica.

“We are excited to have Aaron join us. When he came to audition and sat down at the piano to sing us a song, you could feel God’s spirit. He will add so much to our concerts and I know the fans will love him. ” stated Matt Felts. Aaron will join the group in time to appear at the Memphis Quartet Show in June.

The Dixie Melody Boys were voted favorite Male Quartet for the second year in a row at last month's Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards. They are currently accepting applications for the lead singer position. They will be back in the studio with Aaron and the soon coming lead singer to finish their sophomore album with Song Garden Music Group.

Dixie Melody Boys Lead Singer Resigns

The Dixie Melody Boys have announced that their lead singer Mike Rogers has resigned. Mike has been with the group for the last ten months. “We wish Mike and his family the best.” said Ed O’Neal. The group will begin looking for a replacement shortly.

“Change can be hard but also exciting. History has proven that every time a singer has left, God has brought us another great addition to the Dixie Melody Boys. We know God has someone coming that will be the right fit for years to come.” added Matt Felts.

The Dixie Melody Boys are taking demos at dixiemelodyboys@yahoo.com.

Dixie Melody Boys Claim Numerous Top Honors At SGM Fan Awards

(Friday May 3, 2013)- SongGarden Music artists, The Dixie Melody Boys solidified their rise back to the top of Southern Gospel at last night's Southern Gospel Fan Awards held in Pigeon Forge, TN. The SGM Fan Awards are presented by the Christian Voice Magazine and honor the best in Southern Gospel music as chosen by the fans. The night was filled with great performances by the Dixie Melody Boys, Palmetto State Quartet, the Hemphills, Phil Cross, the Diplomats and many more.

The Dixie Melody Boys received the most Top 5 Nominations of any group with eleven nominations including Favorite Album, Song and Video. Hall of fame member Ed O'Neal took home the Favorite Bass Singer award for the second year in a row. Steven Cooper won the Favorite Baritone award. "We are so happy for Steven. As many know, he will be stepping down soon so to have the fans honor him and his five years with us this way is wonderful." said Ed O'Neal.

Mike Rogers, who has been with the group just under a year was also honored by being nominated in the Top 5 for Favorite Lead Singer and Young Excelling Artist. Matt Felts won the Favorite Tenor Award having made the Top 5 two years in a row. "Just to be on the list with men like Michael Booth, David Phelps, Brian Free and Jeff Hawes is a huge honor. These men are my heroes. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to sing for him." said Matt Felts. Ending the night on a high note, the Dixie Melody Boys won Favorite Male Quartet for the second year in a row.

The last two years have shown the Dixie Melody Boys are riding high again with no signs of slowing down. To learn more check them out at http://www.dixiemelodyboys.com/

Dixie Melody Boys Announce Coming Changes

"We are sad to announce that Steven Cooper will be stepping down from the baritone position with the Dixie Melody Boys. As some know, he has been experiencing vocal issues for the last several years. He has been to numerous vocal specialists and they have advised him to go on an extended vocal rest. Steven recently celebrated his fifth anniversary with the group. He has been a valuable asset to us and will continue to be so," said Ed O'Neal. Steven will remain a member of the Dixie Melody Boys. He will help the group off stage and will also begin playing bass guitar for the group in the near future.

"I want to thank everyone for their concern and understanding over the last year. It has been difficult time having to go through this as a singer. I hope that someday my voice will return and I will be able to sing again. I ask that you will keep me in your prayers as I trust God for a healing. I also want to thank Ed, Matt and Mike for their support in this change and for allowing me to remain a member of the group." said Steven Cooper.

The opening has brought an exciting change for the group. "We are currently looking for a new baritone that can also play piano. The Dixie Melody Boys have a rich legacy that included a live band for years. Our lead singer Mike Rogers is one of the best guitar players in Gospel music. With Mike, Steven on bass and the new member on piano, we are excited to add the live band back to our performances. Sometimes through tough situations God can bring new seasons of blessings." said Matt Felts.

The Dixie Melody Boys will be excepting demos for the baritone/ piano position. Interested people can send them to dixiemelodyboys@yahoo.com.

The Dixie Melody Boys Receive 11 Top Ten Nominations In Fan Awards

With the announcement of the 2013 Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards Top Ten nominations yesterday by the Christian Voice Magazine, the Dixie Melody Boys showed that the groups recent rise back to the top of Southern Gospel continues to find new heights. The legendary group received eleven Top Ten nominations, the most the group has ever received in one year.

In 2012, the Dixie Melody Boys received seven nominations and went on to win Favorite Male Quartet and Favorite Bass Singer. The group is again nominated for Favorite Male Quartet.

Hall Of Fame member Ed O'Neal continues to be favorite to fans after fifty years with the group and was nominated again as favorite Bass Singer as well as the Living Legend Award. Tenor Matt Felts appears for the second year in a row in the Favorite Tenor category, solidifying his place as one of Gospel's brightest young talents. The groups baritone, Steven Cooper makes his debut appearance, nominated for Favorite Baritone. Mike Rogers joined the group as their new lead singer earlier in 2012. He has made an instant impact and the fans have embraced him. Mike has been nominated for Favorite Lead Singer and Excelling Young Individual.

The group was also honored by having their recent album receive two nominations, Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year for "The Call Is Still The Same". That is the second song from the historic 50th Anniversary project to receive Song Of The Year honors, Jesus In My Boat was nominated last year. The Dixie Melody released another historic project this year, Dixie Melody Boys Reunion: 50 Years Of Influence. The DVD recorded live at the National Quartet Convention has been nominated as Video Of The Year. Last but not least, the television show "Great American Gospel" hosted by Ed O'Neal and the Dixie Melody Boys was nominated for Favorite Television Show.

"We are honored to be selected by the fans. The lists include so many incredible people that we love and admire so to be included on this list and this is a blessing. We have several big things to announce in the coming weeks and this is a great start to our new year." said Matt Felts.

The voting has started for the next phase in the voting process, fans can go to http://christianvoicemagazine.com/sgmtop10vote.html

The Dixie Melody Boys Announce New Lead Singer

The Dixie Melody Boys announced a few weeks ago that they would be accepting demo’s for the lead singer position. They also stated that the new member of this legendary group would be introduced on the main stage at this year’s convention. Over the course of three weeks the group received over 300 applications.

“It was an overwhelming response. We didn’t expect so many men to apply. It proved to me that there is a lot of talent in Southern Gospel music. As we stated, our plan was to audition several men, take them on the road with us and then announce them in September. Sometimes plans change.“Stated Matt Felts.

“As I was going through demo’s a voice begin to sing and I knew we had found our next lead singer. Ed listened to his demo and agreed. The moment we met Mike Rogers and heard him sing with us we knew God had brought us the right fit.” added Matt.

“Mike started with us the next weekend. The fans have already shown us that we made the right choice. We debuted him at the Absolutely Gospel Fan Fest and Frank Arnolds Songfest in Jackson, TN. After the response he received we knew it wouldn’t take long for word to get out online so we altered our plans and decided to move up our announcement. When God moves, you go with it. Mike is a great talent and we are proud to have him.” said Ed O’Neal.

Mike Rogers comes to the Dixie Melody Boys from Sandersville, GA. He was a member of Kindred Spirit. Mike has a wife named Bekki and they have a beautiful three year old daughter named Coraline. He will be moving to Kinston, NC this week. “It still feels like a dream. I am so excited to be a part of this group. I’m looking forward to all that is in store.” said Mike Rogers.

The fans of Southern Gospel music will have several great chances to hear the Mike as the group will be featured at many of the summer’s largest events including Silver Dollar City, the James D Vaughn Quartet Festival, the Albert E Brumley Sing and the National Quartet Convention.

The Dixie Melody Boys will be in the studio shortly to begin wotk on their Sophomore project with Song Garden Music Group. “We are excited to get back in the studio, this project is shaping up to be special. Jason Crabb and David Staton will be producing it so it’s starting off on the right track.” Said Steven Cooper.

“We want to thank each person that applied. We are honored that so many men wanted to be a part of our ministry. “ said Matt Felts.

To see when the Dixie Melody Boys will be near you or to learn more about them, go to http://www.dixiemelodyboys.com/

May SGN Scoops now online!

The May 2011 issue of SGN Scoops is now available for download. Click here to read your issue in user-friendly .PDF format.

Living Legend Ed O’Neal talks to us about his 50 years in gospel music. We also speak to Marty Funderburk, hear new music from groups like The Singing Cookes, and our columnists take looks at music piracy, Mother’s Day, and a regional artist we all should know.

Click here to download.

May SGN Scoops now online!

The May 2011 issue of SGN Scoops is now available for download. Click here to read your issue in user-friendly .PDF format.

Th2 2011 Diamond Awards final ballot is announced and you can make your voice heard by voting in the final round, right here.

Living Legend Ed O’Neal talks to us about his 50 years in gospel music. We also speak to Marty Funderburk, hear new music from groups like The Singing Cookes, and our columnists take looks at music piracy, Mother’s Day, and a regional artist we all should know.

Click here to download.