Freedom Releases Critically Acclaimed Single to Radio

“My Retirement Plan” Featured on AbsolutelyGospel.com This Month

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – (September 3, 2012) – Freedom, one of the most exciting new names in Christian music, is excited to announce the release of their brand new single. The new song, titled “My Retirement Plan,” was one of the most critically acclaimed cuts on the group’s debut recording for Homeland Inspiration Group – Freedom.

“We’ve been wanting to release this single for a long time,” mentioned Freedom’s John Rulapaugh. “Everywhere we sing it, people have loved the song and really connect with it. We believe that this song will have a very positive impact on not only our ministry, but Southern Gospel radio as well.”

“My Retirement Plan” was written by Dianne Wilkinson, one of Gospel music’s most prolific and awarded songwriters in the industry. It is also the follow-up single to the group’s previous Top 40 hits “Come On In” and “If It Wasn’t For That Cross.”

The new single is available to hear via a free stream on the popular Gospel music news and information site AbsolutelyGospel.com. The song is sitting alongside current releases from Brian Free & Assurance, Libbi Perry Stuffle, Beyond the Ashes, Sunday Edition, and new trio Brothersake.

Josh Garner stated, “We are excited to be partnering with Absolutely Gospel in promoting this song. They’ve been very good to our ministry, and we’re glad to share our song on such a great site!”

Freedom recently announced the unveiling of its new, fully-update website. The new page went live earlier and was designed by Freedom’s John Rulapaugh. The site is an exhaustive telling of Freedom and the group’s ministry. It features a biography, contact information, a photo gallery, schedules, product information and more. The site also features a free Member’s Only section where fans can get more exclusive information on the group, as well as Freedom’s highly popular video series “Freedom Backstage.”

You can find out more information on the group by visiting http://www.freedomtrio.com or by visiting them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FreedomTrio .


About Freedom
Freedom is the culmination of a mutual lifelong dream for longtime friends Josh Garner and John Rulapaugh. Having spent a combined total of more than 30 years singing the Gospel, these young men have joined forces to create a new standard in Christian Music. Joining Garner and Rulapaugh in this new undertaking is vocalist and pianist Tyler Vestal. Sharing a deep love for God and country, these three men are passionate about sharing the love of Jesus throughout an increasingly hurting nation and around the world.

Though the group has only been on the road for a few short years, the men have already made appearances on major events like the main stage of the National Quartet Convention, Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, Absolutely Gospel Music Fest, Suwanee River Jubilee, and more. The group’s debut album, Freedom, has already spawned off two hit singles (“Come On In” and “If It Wasn’t For That Cross”). In addition, the group earned a nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year in the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

Jim Sheldon Honored with 2 Diamond Award Nominations

DANVILLE, Ky. – (September 3, 2012) – Homeland Inspiration Group recording artist Jim Sheldon received news earlier that he has made the final ballot for the upcoming 2012 Diamond Awards in two separate categories.



Jim received first time nominations this year. His nominations are in the following categories:



Favorite Christian Country Album – I Belong to Jesus (Mont Eagle Records)

Favorite Christian Country Male Artist



“I was completely shocked to see my name on the Top 10 ballot for such a great and prestigious awards program,” mentioned Jim. ”Now to bein the Top 5 is an even greater blessing! Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the this awards program!”



Voting on the final ballot for the 2012 Diamond Awards is currently taking place at http://www.sgnscoops.com.

The Diamond Awards will take place this year at the inaugural Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN on October 30, 2012.



Jim also was recently greeted with news that he has scored his second consecutive #1 hit at Christian Country radio. The trend-setting recording artist has taken the #1 spot for a second time this year on the popular syndicated internet radio show “JB’s Indie Gospel Top 10 Chart” with his new single “Extreme Makeover.” “Extreme Makeover” follows in the footsteps of “God Is Looking at My Heart” which earned the #1 spot on the countdown this past April.


In addition, Jim’s debut music video for his Southern Gospel single “I Belong to Jesus” has received an overwhelming response on YouTube and is garnering much media attention for the Christian Country singer. The video has already amassed over 107,000 views and counting since its debut on the web. You can view the video by visiting YouTube at http://youtu.be/t43KwQMYKcg

Jim will be releasing his sophomore album for Homeland Inspiration Group’s Mont Eagle Records next week at the National Quartet Convention. More information on Still Putting God First will be released later.

For more information about Jim, visit his website at www.jimsheldonmusic.com.



About Jim Sheldon

Jim is based out of Danville, Kentucky where he spearheads his personal ministry – Putting God First Ministries. Jim was most recently seen traveling and singing baritone for the The Keetons. Jim recently signed a recording contract with Homeland Inspiration Group’s Mont Eagle Records. His debut album with Mont Eagle Records – I Belong to Jesus – is now available!

BEN AND BILLY COCKMAN TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION

Ben and Billy Cockman, of The Cockman Family, will be travelling to compete
in National Flat Pick Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo contest at the Walnut
Valley Festival Winfield, KS. Over the weekend, the youngest son, Ben,
took the 2012 Guitar Championship during Hartsville, SC at The Reno Fest.

Ben Cockman won an D18 acoustic guitar hand built by award winning stringed
instrument craftsman Gerald Anderson. “After winning the award,” said dad
John Cockman, “he was given the opportunity to perform a song with the guys
who helped make the guitar.” Watch the video of Ben Cockman performing
‘I’ll Fly Away’ with The Four Virginia Luthiers here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ryfp_n-fqs.

The Cockman Family is set to release their new radio single “Were You There
When They Crucified My Lord?” with Homeland Inspiration Group in early
April 2012.

About The Cockman Family:
The Cockmans have a unique bluegrass gospel style. Their harmonies,
original songs and original arrangements of the old gospel songs have been
immensely popular with their audiences. Fans love their family-style
entertainment as well. As the family continues to grow, the grandchildren
are also joining in on the tradition. They love to sing and they love the
Lord. Their family ties are strong, and the warmth of that is conveyed in
their performances.

The Cockman Family has been nominated for Bluegrass Artists of the Year,
Instrumentalist of the Year and Bluegrass Band of the Year by the Country
Gospel Music Association (CGMA), and for Gold Cross Bluegrass Group of the
Year by the International Country Gospel Music Association. The Cockman
Family was selected as one of "The 12 Most Creative Families In America" by
American Greetings Cards and USA Today Weekend. The Cockman Family is
listed in the North Carolina Arts Council for North Carolina Touring and
Resident Artist Directory, and has produced a concert video that is aired
regularly on the SET (Southern Entertainment Television) 24 hour satellite
gospel programming network and other local TV stations around the country.

For more information on The Cockman Family,
visit http://www.cockmanfamily.com/

For more information on Homeland Inspiration Group,
visit http://www.homelandinspirationgroup.com/

For Press Information:
Brittany Maxwell
Director of Media
Homeland Inspiration Group
706.870.4974
brittanydmaxwell@gmail.com

Danny Jones music to be featured in Secrets in the Snow (2012)

Raleigh, NC — Heartwarming artist, Danny Jones is working on the film score for Secrets in the Snow (2012). His song “Dream Giver” off latest album Chosen to Dream has been selected for the film which is set to premier in Raleigh spring 2012.

“Secrets in the Snow is like the Breakfast Club caught in a snowstorm. It’s a wonderful movie shot in Raleigh, NC.” Said Jones. The film is produced by Brittany Goodwin Daniels.

Danny Jones has written and composed scores for over forty major motion pictures. In Nashville, he won the Crown Jewel Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year award (2011). Recently Silver Starr Sargent, who is famous for his work as vocal coach and road manager to New Kids on the Block, has selected Jones’ song “Run” to record on his latest album.

The Marengo, Indiana native is booked through his agent Pattie Howard. Howard is notable for her work as a background singer for the late Whitney Houston as well as singing in The Preachers Wife and The Color Purple. She also traveled with Dottie and Reba Rambo and recorded background vocals for Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

“I’ve went through a lot of hard times, but I’ve not given up on my dreams. I think God gives us dreams when we are very young, and I’ve persevered.” Said Jones. “I’m going to be taking my music to new avenues. Not just Christian films, but also secular films. It is easy to sing through the four walls of the church. I have to go into these secular areas to ministry. If I don’t how will they know?”

For more information about Danny Jones,
visit http://www.dannyjonesmusic.com.

For more information about Homeland Inspiration Group,
visit http://www.homelandinspirationgroup.com.

Jim Sheldon Celebrates the Holiday Season with the Release of First Ever Christmas Recording

DANVILLE, Ky. – Homeland Inspiration Group recording artist Jim Sheldon is ringing in the holiday season with his first ever Christmas recording. The aptly-titled Christmas released last month on Mont Eagle Records and features Jim’s down home charm and Country flair.

Christmas was produced by the award-winning Nick Bruno (Booth Brothers, Kingsmen) and industry leader Scott Godsey (Toney Brothers, Heirline). The album features many traditional favorites such as “Away In a Manger,” “Joy to the World,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “O Holy Night” in addition to newer favorites like “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” “Come On Ring Those Bells,” and “Thank God For Kids.”

“I am just so honored to have had the year that I’ve had,” mentioned Jim Sheldon. “God has opened so many doors for me this year. Getting to end my year with a brand new Christmas album is definitely one of the highlights!”

Christmas was featured on the annual and popular Christmas Music Guide on the industry’s leading news site AbsolutelyGospel.com. The article had this to say about the recording:

“Jim Sheldon is a new name on the Gospel music landscape - but his debut Christmas recording has a lot of country based classic holiday songs to make any fan of Christmas music happy. Jim covered some great tunes like ‘Come On Ring Those Bells,’ ‘Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,’ and the recent hit ‘Thank God For Kids.’ Don't forget to check out this great new release!”

Jim will celebrate the release of this new album at an upcoming concert in the Nashville, Tennessee area this coming weekend, December 11, 2011. The concert will also feature industry favorites the Booth Brothers. For more information on that concert, visit www.jimsheldonmusic.com.

Jim recently released his debut recording for Homeland Inspirational Group’s Christian country label Mont Eagle Records. The album – I Belong to Jesus – released this past September during the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. 

For more information about Jim, visit his website at www.jimsheldonmusic.com