SGN Scoops March Edition Features Weston and Christy Hinson

We are excited to present the March Issue of SGNScoops Digital Magazine. On the the cover this month is Weston And Christy Hinson. Read how Weston and Christy are carrying on the legacy of the Hinson name as the continue the tradition of singing great gospel music.

Also read the scoop on the solo ministry of Joseph Habedank and catch the latest on the ministry of David Timms. Mike Rogers of Brian Free and Assurance is featured in this month’s Younger Perspective, and don’t miss the latest from Jason Runnels.

We have several special interest stories this month. Don’t miss a concert story on The Mark Trammell Quartet, Gospel on the Seas and Miss Whatcom County. Dr Jeff Steele, Kelly Nelon and Jennifer Campbell share encouragement and Ms. Lou Hildreth shares her legendary stories.

Music reviews plus news about the Ozark Gospel Music Convention, Creekside Gospel Music Convention and the Diamond Awards are all all found inside the beautiful March Edition of SGNScoops Magazine.

Always digital, always free and always good. Please share with your friends, family and fans.

Find The Magazine Here

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

Brian Free & Assurance Announce New Baritone

Douglasville, GA – May 22, 2013 Brian Free announced today a decision has been made in filling the baritone position. Joining the BFA family will be Mike Rogers of Kinston, NC who fans will recognize from his recent position as lead singer for the Dixie Melody Boys. Mike will join the group on June 20th at the Memphis Quartet Show.

Twenty-four year old Mike shares, “The warmth and humility from Brian and the guys when I auditioned made me feel this was truly a God-thing, and confirmed for me that I wanted to be a part of their ministry. BFA is very family-oriented, which means a lot to me. Ministry is important, but after God, family is top priority. Quartet music doesn’t get any better than BFA. They are top notch, and I am honored to join them.”

Brian states, “When I received the audition info for Mike I was very impressed with his vocal ability and the gift to deliver a song. After spending some time with him, his wife Bekki and daughter Coraline at my home, I knew he was the one God had sent to be a member of our family. I love his heart and the love he has for people. He will be a wonderful addition to BFA.

Having over 300 people apply for the job, it was a hard decision due to all the talent I heard. I want to thank each person who took their time and effort to apply for the position. I am truly honored that so many wanted to be a part of our ministry. I know God has a place and time for you to use your talent for him.”

Brian Free & Assurance’s first single I Want To Be That Man off their current project, Nothing But Love, went to number one the month of February on the Singing News Charts. Their follow up single, Calvary’s Cry has quickly climbed the charts and currently holds number six for the month of May.

To keep up to date with Brian Free & Assurance visit their website at: http://www.brianfreeandassurance.com/

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/