Don't Miss the April issue of SGN Scoops Digital Magazine

Have you read the April issue of SGN Scoops? Several of our writers delve into what the Easter season means for us as believers. I trust that you will read about the love, grace and eternal life of our Savior on every page.
Our cover artists this month are Gerald Wolfe, Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman, known collectively as Greater Vision. Matt Baker goes a little deeper into the hearts and minds of this award-winning trio. Other new writers whose names you might not know but whose writing you will enjoy include Bethany Cook who introduces us to Adoration Quartet, and Jaquita Lindsay who highlights The Stephens.
Enjoy discovering more about Kris Erwin, the Diplomats, Marty Raybon, the Browders, and DJ Skip Taylor. Candi Combs takes us to the Greenbriar Quartet event and Lynn Mills goes sailing on the Singing At Sea cruise. Vonda Easley, Erin Stevens, Jennifer Campbell and Paige Givens have written from their hearts this month to bring you the latest on your favorite artists.
If you are a Gospel music collector, you’ve said, “I NEED IT!” more than once, and Dean Adkins introduces us to several avid collectors.
Lou Hildreth, David Staton, Laurette Willis, Jeff Steele, Dusty Wells, Kelly Nelon Clark, Jonathan Edwards, Sherry Anne and Ed Smith round out our magazine this month and we hope you enjoy their words as much as we do.
Thanks for taking time to read SGN Scoops April 2015 edition. Please share it with your friends and family and everyone you know. Let us know if there is someone you’d like to read the scoop about! Write to me at lorraine@sgnscoops.com
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Christian Country Expo coming to Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN (April 24, 2015) - Christian Country fans from across the nation will be converging on Pigeon Forge for a brand new summer event in 2015. From August 24 through the 27th, the Smoky Mountain Convention Center will host Christian Country artists, including Marty Raybon, T. Graham Brown, Jan Harbuck, Ava Kasich, Tina Wakefield, Jerry Branscom, and many more.
"Smoky Mountain Resorts is thrilled to host the Christian Country Expo this year," says Pete Smith". Rob and Vonda and the folks at Coastal Media have put together such a great group of talent that all of our employees are volunteering to work the event. The celebrity concerts, the artists' interaction with the fans, the Dixie Stampede and the Great Smoky Mountains are going to make this a special week. I can’t wait to see it!"

"I am very excited to be working with Christian Country Expo," says Vonda Easley. "This is my first Christian Country event to be involved in, and I am so excited to meet and hear all the new artists and also get to hear Marty Raybon and T Graham Brown!"

This event is the first in a planned series called Christian Country Expo. With daily showcases at 10am and evening concerts at 6pm, music fans are sure to enjoy their fill of Gospel music, Country style.
Ava Kasich says, "It is such an honor to be asked to be involved with Christian Country Expo this year! I am humbled to be associated with such inspiring artists! Thank you Rob Patz for including me. Looking forward to what God has in store for everyone involved!"
For more information on lodging or artists who wish to be a part of the Christian Country Expo, please email Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com or call 360 933 0741.

MARTY RAYBON TAKES HOME SPBGMA’S "MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR" AWARD

Nashville, Tenn. (February 11, 2015) - After more than 40 years of performing, country crooner and bluegrass balladeer Marty Raybon continues to take home the career trophies. This past weekend at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association (SPBGMA)'s 41st Annual Bluegrass Awards, Raybon walked away as the organization’s 2015 "Male Vocalist of the Year" in the traditional category.

"It's one of those wonderful unexpected surprises that happens at award shows," says Raybon. "When I heard my name called out as the winner, my first thought was 'Did I hear that right?' I was very honored while also realizing that not one person is an island in a bluegrass band. I want to say thank you to SPBGMA and the fans that voted for me and I'm very grateful that the hard work we put into our vocals were awarded that night."

Throughout his epic journey spanning more than four decades, Marty Raybon has produced a remarkable list of career accomplishments including: multiple number one singles, top selling albums, CMA, ACM, IBMA and GRAMMY Awards, along with scores of other accolades. Collectively, his contributions to the recording industry have sold well into the millions and he has performed literally thousands of live concerts at four corners of the earth. In 2015, Raybon returned to his original position as frontman for legendary group, Shenandoah. Shenandoah Reloaded tour dates will be announced soon.

For more information on Marty Raybon, visit www.martyraybon.com.

SHENANDOAH ANNOUNCES 2015 RELOADED WITH MARTY RAYBON TOUR DATES

Raybon Hits the Road with Shenandoah for First Time in Nearly Two Decades

Nashville, Tenn. (February 12, 2015) - After a near 18-year absence, the original voice of Shenandoah, Marty Raybon, is officially back in the band. Since announcing his return last fall, Shenandoah and Raybon have performed a handful of dates, leaving concertgoers in awe. Today, Shenandoah announced dates for their 2015 tour, Reloaded With Marty Raybon.

"We are so excited to see the reaction so far to having Marty back with us," notes Shenandoah's Mike McGuire. "Smiles are big, seats are full and autograph lines are long. It's like country music fans are starved for real country music these days. At least that's what they are telling us. And we are happy to take them back in our time machine!"

Raybon adds, "The crowds have been unbelievable. Packed and loud. It seems to me that they've missed hearing the music as much as I have. The excitement is right in front of us and that's what makes us want to make sure they leave entertained and glad they came. It's good to be back with the boys!"

Shenandoah's Reloaded With Marty Raybon tour kicks off this March.

Shenandoah Reloaded With Marty Raybon 2015 Tour Dates:

March 6 - Chester, WV - Chrome Nite Club
March 7 - St. Marys, PA - St. Marys High School
April 11 - Mt. Vernon, KY - New Barn Theatre
May 8 - Abilene, TX - Rhinestone Roundup
May 9 - Lindsay, TX - Outlaws and Legends Dancehall and Saloon
May 10 - Corpus Christi, TX - Roberts Point Park Pavillon
May 16 - Sheffield, AL - Sheffield Street Dance
May 20 - Wheeling, WV - WesBanco Arena
June 12 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Palace
July 3 - Pigeon Forge, TN - Country Tonite Theatre
July 18 - Forsyth, MT - Rosebud-Treasure County Fair
July 23 - Columbus, OH - Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Festival
July 31 - Barton Creek, TX - Country Club
August 1 - Dodge City, KS - Central Station
September 12 - Morehead, KY - Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival
September 16 - Abingdon, VA - Washington County Fair
October 24 - Perry, FL - Forest Festival
November 13 - Wilkesboro, NC - Merlefest
November 14 - Elizabethtown, KY - State Theater

About Shenandoah
Shenandoah originally formed in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1985. The band has charted 26 singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts including #1 Hits: "The Church on Cumberland Road," "Sunday in the South," "Two Dozen Roses," "Next to You, Next to Me" and "If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)." The single "Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart," which featured guest vocals from Alison Krauss, won both artists a GRAMMY® Award for "Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal." To date, the group has sold millions of albums worldwide and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music's coveted "Vocal Group of the Year" Award.

For more information on Shenandoah, visit www.shenandoahband.com.

COUNTRY MUSIC STARS REACT TO PASSING OF LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS

Nashville, Tenn. (January 3, 2015) - The country music industry is in mourning following the death of the iconic and beloved Little Jimmy Dickens. Dickens passed away yesterday at the age of 94.

"I have known Little Jimmy Dickens for 60 years. Little Jimmy Dickens was a little man with a big heart and the best entertainer that ever stepped on the Opry stage. Keep em laughin, Tater."
-Mel Tillis

"Little Jimmy Dickens was one of the greatest entertainers I ever knew. His country charm, sharp wit, and graciousness made him a star that everyone wanted to meet. I'll miss him very much."
-Ricky Skaggs

"Pound for pound, inch for inch, 'Tater,' he loved for us to call him 'Tater' after his big hit, 'TAKE AN OLD COLD TATER AND WAIT,' was the GREATEST ENTERTAINER in the history of the world. PERIOD!! And he was a nice man. What else can I say. I loved him and will miss him."
-Larry Gatlin

"He could give any entertainer on that stage a run for his money when it came to charming the audience. He was hilarious and a classic. It's just never gonna be the same."
-Pam Tillis

"One of the greatest things I've passed down to my boys was my friendship with Little Jimmy Dickens. We will miss him."
-Aaron Tippin

"I loved Little Jimmy Dickens. He was always such a nice, nice man to me since the first time I ever met him and I think a lot of us in the industry are going to really miss him. He was a friend to all of us. God Bless him."
-Sammy Kershaw

"This great man asked me for a picture and an autograph the first time we played the Opry. I was shocked. I know the world will feel this loss. God Bless!"
-Doug Gray / The Marshall Tucker Band

"Little Jimmy Dickens was an American original, the likes of which we will never see again. We'll miss him and his talent very much."
-The Bellamy Brothers

"There are no words to express what this does to our music community. We are honored to have shared the stage and smiles with the greatest Opry performer of all time."
-Larry Stewart / Restless Heart

"Little Jimmy Dickens was a giant in the world we call country music. A patriarch. One who stood among the legends and cast a great shadow as an entertainer. He will be greatly missed. He truly was Mighty Mouse in a rhinestone suit. Rest in Peace, Tater."
-Marty Raybon / Shenandoah

"It takes a mighty BIG person to laugh at yourself and invite others to laugh along with you. Little Jimmy made a career out of that. Of all the different art forms, nothing can compete with a good laugh. Thank you for that Jimmy and rest in peace little buddy."
-Billy Dean

"Country music and the Opry has lost a true living legend but Heaven has gained one of the funniest, sweetest, and kindest, talented spirits to ever grace its streets."
-Jeff Bates

MARTY RAYBON WINS HIS FIRST IBMA AWARD

ALSO APPEARS ON THE COVER OF BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED

Nashville, TN (October 1, 2013) – Marty Raybon can now add an IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) award to his prestigious list of awards including Grammy, CMA and AMC awards with the group Shenandoah to his successful 40 year career as an entertainer. Last Thursday night Raybon was presented with the “Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year” Award for “Beulah Land” during the 24th IBMA Awards Show in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“It is a such an honor to win the IBMA Award for Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year. This the first of many I hope, I am overwhelmed with joy. I am truly proud of the steadfast job from a great record label Rural Rhythm Records, the lyric from a wonderful writer Squire Parsons. I am thankful and humbled at the favor the Lord has shown me”, commented Marty Raybon.

Raybon’s first IBMA award is not his only first this year as he celebrates his 40th year as an entertainer with his current album “The Back Forty”. The current single, “That Janie Baker”, is moving up the Bluegrass Unlimited chart at #18 . He can also add to his list of firsts in 2013 the #1 song on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart for his hit song “Dirt Road Heartache” which hit #1 in June from his album “Southern Roots & Branches” released in April 2012.

In addition to this impressive list of first time career accomplishments now includes the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited. Raybon appears on the cover of the October 2013 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited with a feature story by Steve Morley. He also appeared on the cover of the May issue of
The Direct Buzz, AirPlay Direct’s monthly magazine. which was another first.

Raybon has been getting some strong media attention recently. Below is a list of recent media hits and future media:
Billboard

The Mike Huckabee Show

The Boot

Music News Nashville

Digital Journal

Tennessean

Bluegrass Unlimited October issue - cover and feature article

GAC Daily Countdown - air date: 9-23-2013

Country Reunion Show on RFD-TV (November 13th & 14th)

For more information on Marty Raybon and his tour dates please visit Marty Raybon or Rural Rhythm Records.

Christian Voice Magazine Announces Top 10 Nominees for the 2013 Country Gospel Music Fan Awards and Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards

Kennedy, AL - Christian Voice Magazine presents two fan-based awards programs annually to honor artists and industry professionals in both Country Gospel and Southern Gospel genres.

In the past, fans were given the opportunity to submit open nominations and then vote from a top five finalists ballot to determine the winning recipients. This year, the voting was expanded to a three-phase process to include a ballot for the top ten nominees. Open nominations for the 2013 SGM Fan Awards and CGM Fan Awards were accepted during the month of November 2012.

With nominations in seven categories, Marty Raybon leads with the most nominations including Favorite Crossover Artist, Favorite Male Vocalist and Living Legend in the CGM Fan Awards. Solo artist Tim Livingston and Christian Country band Sunday Drive are tied with six nominations each. For his hit song, "Here's A Miracle" (written by Larry Petree), Tim Livingston garnered nominations for both Favorite Album and Favorite Song. Sunday Drive also nabbed a nomination for Favorite Album ("Top of the World") as well as Favorite Band, Favorite Musician (Dusty Treece) and Favorite Female Vocalist (Misty Treece). The Roarks follow closely with five nominations including Favorite Group, Promoter of the Year (Jetta Roark) and Living Legend (Paul Roark).

Dominating this year's SGM Fan Awards with ten nominations is none other than the legendary Dixie Melody Boys. Included among their nominations are Favorite Male Quartet, Favorite Song and Favorite Album (The Call is Still the Same), Favorite Video (Reunion: 50 Years of Influence), and Living Legend (Ed O' Neal). Greater Vision and Karen Peck & New River both have eight nominations each while The Perrys, The Collingsworth Family and newcomers Noah's Faith are tied with seven nominations each. Following closely, tied with six nominations each are The Hoppers, The Journeymen Quartet and Brothers Redeemed. Jason Crabb and David Phelps are the top two nominees in the Favorite Male Vocalist category while Canton Junction and Wilburn & Wilburn are among the top nominees for New Excelling Artist.

The third and final ballots listing the top five finalists in each category will be published in March 2013. Awards will be given as winners are announced at the 2013 CGM Fan Awards and SGM Fan Awards in Pigeon Forge, TN this spring. The CGM Fan Awards will be held April 27, 2013 during the week of CGM FanFest and the SGM Fan Awards will be held May 2, 2013 during the week of SGM FanFair. For more information about these events, visit www.cgmfanfest.com and www.sgmfanfair.com.

To access the ballots and view the complete list of top ten nominees, visit www.christianvoicemagazine.com.

BlueHighways TV Air Dates Announced for CHRISTMAS: THE MOUNTAIN WAY

CHRISTMAS: THE MOUNTAIN WAY CD / DVD Releases November 13, 2012

Special Event Will Air On BlueHighways TV Nov 28 - Dec 25, 2012

BUY NOW

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce CHRISTMAS: THE MOUNTAIN WAY CD/DVD releases tomorrow November 13, 2012 and is available for purchase at Amazon, iTunes, Rural Rhythm Records, and the participating artists’ websites. This special concert will begin airing on BlueHighways TV later this month. The complete schedule is as follows:


Nov. 28th @ 7 PM (EST)
Nov. 28th @ 10 PM (EST)
Nov. 29th @ 12 PM (EST)
Dec. 1st @ 8 PM (EST)
Dec. 19th @ 7 PM (EST)
Dec. 19th @ 10 PM (EST)
Dec. 20th @ 12 PM (EST)
Dec. 22th @ 8 PM (EST)
Dec. 25th – TBA

CHRISTMAS: THE MOUNTAIN WAY is a 15 song CD plus a 60+ minute DVD with extra features including bonus performances. This live performance musical show was filmed earlier this year at the Bell Theater in Pineville, Kentucky showcasing Christmas and its traditions in the Appalachian Mountains.

The event was hosted by Mike Scott and includes performances by: 2012 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley; Steve Gulley; Grammy winning artist, Marty Raybon; 2012 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Nominee, Audie Blaylock; Cumberland River, Common Strings, Students of the Cumberland River Academy, Mike Scott, Brenda Scott, Brad Gulley, Debbie Gulley, Don Gulley and more.

Steve Gulley and Dale Ann Bradley will be taping SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction Track By Track with Kyle Cantrell this week that is scheduled to air on December 5, 2012.

Tony Spinosa and Sam Passamano II served as Executive Producers on CHRISTMAS: THE MOUNTAIN WAY. The CD was produced by Steve Gulley and the DVD was produced by Sammy Passamano III. Stage musicians included: Jason Burleson (Banjo/Guitar); Clint Hurd (Mandolin); Brandon Godman (Fiddle); Vic Graves (Dobro); Bryan Turner (Bass); and John Bradley (Bass).

For more information on Rural Rhythm Records, please visit RuralRhythm.com.
For more information on BlueHighways TV, please visit BlueHighwaysTV.com.

Marty Raybon Enters the Top 40 Country Charts with “I’ve Seen What He Can Do”

Nashville, TN --  The new single, “I’ve Seen What He Can Do” by Grammy® award winning artist, Marty Raybon has entered the Top 40 on the New Music Weekly Country Chart (3/23/12).  This beautiful new song also reached the #1 spot on the Christian Music Weekly Top Singles Chart (3/7/12) and debuts at #8 on the Cashbox Magazine Top Christian Country Singles chart.

Two other songs from the HAND TO THE PLOW album are charting on other Christian Voice Magazine charts including “Working On A Building” appearing at #3 on the Country Christian chart and “You’ve Got To Move” at #25 on the Southern Gospel chart.

 

HAND TO THE PLOW releases Monday, March 26, 2012 and was produced by veteran Nashville producer Mark Carman.  The album is available at all major retail outlets including:  iTunes, Walmart, LifeWay, Family Christian, Amazon.com, ChrisianBook.com,County Sales and more.

 

Marty is now on tour with numerous upcoming performances including this weekend's South Florida Music Fest in Jupiter, FL.  You can also catch Marty on numerous upcoming TV and Radio shows including but no limited to:  March 27 at 8:30 am on WSM Radio with Bill Cody; upcoming interview with Jim Ed Brown on Country Music Greats; feature interview on INSIDE MUSIC ROW; and later this spring on the Jason Crabb Show - Southern Gospel Review on the Trinity Broadcast Network.

 

Marty has been nominated for several Country Gospel Music Fan Awards including “Favorite Soloist”, “Favorite Crossover Artist,” and “I’m Working On A Building” from HAND TO THE PLOW for “Favorite Song.”  Awards will be given as winners are announced at the 2012 Country Gospel Music (CGM) Awards Program presented by Christian Voice Magazine at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN on April 28, 2012.  CGM Fan Award recipients are decided upon solely by Country Gospel Music fans through a simple, two-phase voting process.   Fans can vote at ChristianVoiceMagazine.com. The Top 5 Finalists ballot appears in this month’s issue. 

 

Please visit MartyRaybon.com for more information including Marty’s upcoming album SOUTHERN ROOTS & BRANCHES releasing on Rural Rhythm Records, April 10, 2012.

 

Please visit Rural Rhythm Christian and Rural Rhythm Records, for more information on these upcoming projects.

Dates and Featured Performers Announced For 12th Annual Absolutely Gospel Music Fest

Southern Gospel’s Biggest Names like Jason Crabb, Dixie Melody Boys, Tribute Quartet, The Nelons, Marty Raybon, The LeFevre Quartet and More to Appear!
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (June 23, 2011) – The administrators of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), are proud to announce the dates and talent line-up for the 12th Annual Absolutely Gospel Music Fest.
“This has been a tough year for our family after losing my wife Susan earlier this year,” mentioned Deon Unthank of AbsolutelyGospel.com. “However, she wouldn’t want us to stop doing the work she started, so we are happy to continue on the work that she started so many years ago!”
This year’s Music Fest is set to run from Tuesday, July 19, 2011 through Thursday, July 21, 2011. The event will again be held at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee and is absolutely free to the public.
Performers scheduled to appear at this year’s Music Fest include Jason Crabb,Dixie Melody Boys, Tribute Quartet, The Nelons, Adam Crabb, Marty Raybon,Naomi & the Segos, HisSong, LeFevre Quartet, Crystal River, John’s Call, The Galloways, Eighth Day, Southern Sound, Brothers Forever, Rod Burton, Back Home, The Beelers, Lieper’s Fork, and Sunday Edition.
The artist listing is subject to change without notice.
As in years past, this year's convention will remain free to the public. A love offering will be taken each night.
For more information, feel free to email the site at chris@absolutelyGospel.com . More details can be found at http://www.absolutelygospel.com .

About AbsolutelyGospel.com
AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) has grown from relative obscurity to the industry's leading internet publication for Southern Gospel news and information in only a few short years. The site includes a wide variety of features, consisting of artist interviews, a weekly chart, late-breaking news, and much more.