Blackwood Brothers Quartet Releases "Forever / 80th Anniversary Recording"

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (November 12, 2014) – As the group celebrates its 80-year anniversary in 2014, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet is releasing its Forever / 80th Anniversary Recording project on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.             The Blackwood Brothers Quartet is comprised of group manager and baritone singer Billy Blackwood, lead singer Michael Helwig, tenor singer Wayne Little and bass singer Butch Owens. The “Forever” project consists of seven new songs – penned by writers such as Lee Black, Dave Clark, Marty Funderburk, Sue Smith, Jimmy Taylor and Dianne Wilkinson – and three older songs. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys made a special guest appearance on the song “Long Gone,” which was written by Billy Blackwood, Kenna West and Jason Cox.                        “I have never been so excited about the potential of one of our records,” emphasizes Billy Blackwood. “The bottom line is that we have a message and a mandate to share the story of God’s love and His plan for people. We believe these songs are a vehicle to get that message to a greater audience than ever before.”             The Blackwood Brothers worked with two different producers on the project, Ricky Free and Trey Ivey.  “Working with two producers was an interesting approach but was also a great experience,” says Blackwood. “Trey Ivey and Ricky Free are very talented young men who have helped to take us to another level musically. The music is a bit edgier and more radio friendly than past projects, but there is, however, some very traditional Blackwood Brothers-sounding songs as well.” Free and Ivey produced five songs each on the project. “I was honored to have been a part of producing this new record for a quartet that has such a long history in Gospel Music,” points out Free. “I hope this new record only expands their already huge fan base.” Ivey adds, “It was an honor getting to work with the Blackwood Brothers. Billy, Butch, Mike and Wayne are great talents and great men. They do what they do with excellence, and this project is no exception.” The group has been a part of the Daywind Family since 2009.  “The legacy of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet has long been established in our industry, but the group continues to enhance its expected level of excellence,” explains Daywind president Ed Leonard. “There’s something for every listener contained in this collection as fans get to relive timeless songs performed as only the Blackwood Brothers could while also hearing the current group expand its musical horizons on the ‘Forever’ project.”             Daywind Records is home to an award-winning roster of artists, including the Tribute Quartet, Legacy Five, the Bowling Family, Joseph Habedank, the Nelons, Brian Free & Assurance, Karen Peck and New River, and Wilburn & Wilburn. Daywind is distributed to retail through New Day Christian Distributors, Select-O-Hits, and all major digital outlets, including iTunes. For more information, visit www.daywindrecords.com or contact Amanda Martin at publicity@daywind.com.             For more information on the group, visit the Blackwood Brothers Quartet’s web site at www.blackwoodbrothers.com.

Tune-in Countdown To Oak Ridge Boys - Day Number THREE

Nashville, TN (August 12, 2014) Just THREE more days until the winding down of the season series of Nashville's very popular The Music City Show. Ending this season in a big way, the Featured artists are the outstanding Country group, The Oak Ridge Boys.

This dynamic program will be featured on RFDTV this Thursday, August 14th at 8PM Eastern and 7PM Central times. Growing numbers from Nielsen should tell you that this is one spectacular program you will not want to miss. Very few groups have been able to crossover from Gospel to Country and back to Gospel the way the Oak Ridge Boys have and none with the success they have seen.

This episode will be featuring, of course the mighty Oaks, and in addition the Positive Cowboy himself, Jim Sheldon along with the familiar Blue Jean Band. Host for the evening will be Singer/Comedian Tim Lovelace.

The Music City Show is experiencing phenomenal growth with each new season, so tune in to this program to see why. Remember, just THREE more days.

You can catch a preview of the show at http://youtu.be/EyENO2BKSlQ  .

The Music City Show is produced by Godsey and Associates of Nashville, TN and more information about them can be found at http://godseyandassociates.com or http://www.themusiccityshow.com  or https://www.facebook.com/themusiccity .

You can learn more about RFDTV at http://www.rfdtv.com or https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRFDTV .

Gene McDonald Performs With Oak Ridge Boys For President George H.W. Bush

Nashville, TN (July 1,2013) Earlier this year multi-talented Bass singer Gene McDonald had the privilege of singing Bass with the sensational award winning Oak Ridge Boys. With Bass singer Richard Sturbin out of commission with a foot surgery the Oaks called upon Gene McDonald to sing the Bass notes for them.
Gene said “Singing with the Oaks is always special, but this time we sang for the 88 year old President George H.W. Bush and his lovely wife Barbara at their home in Houston, TX.”
It would seem that the former President's favorite song of the Oaks is “Elvira” and Gene can cover those low bass notes with ease. It would seem that every time President Bush hears those sweet harmonies mixed with the tune of “Elvira” his spirits are lifted.
Now that the excitement of singing for the Bush's is over, Gene is back to singing on the stage as the featured Bass singer at all of the Gaither Homecoming Concerts.
Below is a video of the Oak Ridge Boys and Gene singing:



You can learn more about Gene McDonald by going to http://www.genemcdonaldmusic.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/genemcdonaldmusic
****
About Gene McDonald
Gene McDonald started his career with his family group singing tenor. He then sang tenor with Jack Campbell and the Ambassadors through his school years. “One day I woke up and my voice was a couple of octaves lower and I was a bass singer.” commented Gene about his low vocal abilities.
While at Arkansas State University, he studied under one of the leading choral directors in the nation, Al Skoog. He later went to Ben Speer School of Music.
In 1989, Gene began singing with the Plainsmen Quartet and toured with them until 1992. He later went on to sing and record hits with the Florida Boys, touring from 1998 to 2007. Gaither Productions invited Gene to join the Homecoming Family for his first taping in 1994. He currently still travels with the Homecoming Friends across the globe.
Gene has a great gift and one of the richest voices ever heard. Noted by Bill Gaither as the Dean of all Bass’, Gene is held at high esteem for being the best in the circuit. However, he is MORE than just the best Bass singer. He does have the most prominent Bass voice, but he is by far, one of the “best singers” to ever grace the stage. God has given this man a great gift, a great talent.

Woody Wright produces new Solo Project from Willie Wynn

(Alexandria, Indiana- April 15) Woody Wright announces the production of a new solo album from Willie Wynn. ”I just started production on a new project by Founding Oak Ridge Boys tenor, Little Willie Wynn. We cut basic tracks last week at Gaither Sudios and will start recording vocals in May.

Guest supporting vocals will be done by the Oak Ridge Boys, Ponder Sykes & Wright, and other
former members of Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans and others.”

The project is called “Rewind” and will include many favorites from Willie’s days with the Oaks, along with some hymns, and a new biographical song called ”The Oak Ridge Boys and Me.” The album is expected to be released summer 2013!

For more information, email Woody Wright at woody@woodywright.net.

Tracy Stuffle Benefit in Nashville Tonight!

If you cannot attend but would like to support the cause, you can still buy tickets or make a donation at http://www.tracystufflebenefit.com. Thank you to everyone for making this a special night to honor and help Tracy & Libbi!

Oak Ridge Boys Featured At Benefit Concert

Nashville, TN (March 4, 2013) The Oak Ridge Boys are featured among a literal list of “Who's Who” will be performing at a spectacular concert as a benefit for Tracy Stuffle, Bass singer and owner of The Perrys. Tuesday, March 19th at Christ Church in Nashville, TN is the date set for this exciting concert.

On January 21st, Tracy suffered a stroke causing massive hospital bills. His hospital stay has already reached 5 weeks and he will be there for an extended period. It's time for the Christian Music Family to reach out and help in the ways that we can. First, we can continue to PRAY for Tracy, Libbi, Jared and the Perrys. Then we can reach down deep in our pockets and help with the financial needs that can be overwhelming when faced alone.

The call has been heard and the Best of the Best in Gospel music are gearing up to give what they have to offer, and allow you to have a night of great inspiration through the most magnificent singing you will ever hear. The theme of the concert is “We Need Each Other”, which is also the title song that will used as the opening number featuring all of the artists.

Talent includes Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Lowry, Dailey & Vincent, Jason Crabb, The Booth Brothers, The Isaacs, The Collingsworth Family, The Hoppers, Karen Peck & New River, Gold City, The Bowling Family and The Perrys. The evening will be hosted by Jason Crabb and Joseph Habedank.

Ticket prices are $40.00 – Artist Circle, $30.00 – General Admission at the door, $25.00 – Early purchase General Admission, and a love offering will be taken at the event. All proceeds go to the medical expenses of Tracy Stuffle. Advance Ticket sales are available at Christ Church 15354 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN – 615-834-6171 and College Heights Baptist Church, 2100 Nashville Pike, Galatians, TN – 615-452-4952. The concert starts at 6PM, Doors open at 5PM.

More information is available at www.tracystufflebenefit.com .

Daily updates are available about Tracy's condition at www.absolutelygospel.com .

****
About The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oaks one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of the Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring three decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to bear on a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere.

About Tracy Stuffle
Tracy Stuffle is the Bass singer and owner for the renown Gospel singing group, The Perrys.
At an early age Tracy knew his calling was to sing for the Lord. After joining the Perrys, Tracy and alto singer Libbi Perry were married and the rest is history. They have continued together to carry on the tradition of the Perrys in bringing the Salvation message of the Gospel to every place they can bring their music.

Tracy Stuffle Benefit Announced for March 19, 2013 at Christ Church in Nashville, TN

Jason Crabb, Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Lowry, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Hoppers, Dailey & Vincent and more Headline All-Star Evening for Beloved Bass Vocalist for The Perrys

NASHVILLE, TN (February 28, 2013) - Today, Joseph Habedank, lead vocalist for The Perrys, in partnership with Christ Church in Nashville, TN, announced a benefit concert for Tracy Stuffle, who recently suffered a massive stroke. The evening, dubbed “We Need Each Other: A Benefit for Tracy Stuffle” will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 6:00 PM (doors open at 5 PM) at Christ Church in Nashville, TN and will feature a lineup of stellar musical artists.

Tracy Stuffle - beloved bass vocalist and group owner/manager of the Perrys - has been in critical condition at a Nashville area hospital since suffering a massive stroke on January 21, 2013 while driving his vehicle in downtown Nashville, TN. All proceeds from this concert will go toward medical expenses for Tracy Stuffle.

Joining hosts Jason Crabb and Joseph Habedank will be the Oak Ridge Boys, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Dailey & Vincent, The Hoppers, Mark Lowry, the Collingsworth Family, the Booth Brothers, The Isaacs, Gold City, The Bowlings, Karen Peck & New River and a special appearance by The Perrys.

“Tracy & Libbi Stuffle hired me when I was 17 years old. They gave me a chance when no one else would,” states Habedank. “For over 10 years, they have invested into my life and considering I have practically grown up on their bus, they’re like family to me. When this tragic event happened, I immediately called upon the friends of Tracy & Libbi to begin organizing this evening. I am asking everyone who loves Tracy & Libbi to support this evening.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for this evening, vist TracyStuffleBenefit.com. Tickets may also be purchased at Christ Church in Nashville, TN or College Heights Baptist Church in Gallatin, TN.

Jimmy Blackwood Retires, Farewell Performance Slated for Brumley “Shindig”

{EHA-Nashville, TN} Jimmy Blackwood, son of beloved James Blackwood, recently announced his retirement from many years on the road with the famous Blackwood Brothers. Jimmy announces that he will only be doing one “Farewell” performance in Rogers, AR on October 13 at The Shindig. Besides the Blackwood Brothers, the concert will feature the Oak Ridge Boys and Dailey and Vincent. All groups will be singing songs from their latest released Gospel albums.

The Shindig is a fundraiser for the I’ll Fly Away Foundation and will celebrate I’ll Fly Away’s 80th birthday. All ticket sales will benefit the foundation’s music eduction program. This program teaches young people about America’s musical heritage through school workshops. The I’ll Fly Away Foundation has partnered with the Gibson Foundation in its mission. Gibson will be providing an Epiphone guitar to each school that is involved in the I’ll Fly Away Foundation program.

The Gibson Guitar Bus will also be at The Shindig and will open for free tours before the show. The concert is slated for Saturday, October 13, 2012, 7:00 pm at the John Q Hammons Center at 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers, Arkansas. Three phenomenal artists/groups will perform together for a one-time-only gathering. Featured will be multi-platinum and Grammy-winning recording artist, The Oak Ridge Boys, along with Dailey & Vincent and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.

Advance tickets: Artist Circle ($50), Gold Seating ($40), and Silver Seating ($30) All tickets are non-refundable. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $5 more the day of show.

For tickets to I’ll Fly Away’s 80th birthday and Jimmy Blackwood’s final and “Farewell” performance call 888-462-6718 or visit www.illflyawayfoundation.org

Oak Ridge Boys Launching Holiday Season with New Christmas CD & Multi-City Tour

Nashville, Tenn. (September 17, 2012) – The legendary Oak Ridge Boys will be filling the holiday season with the celebrated sounds of their Christmas Time’s A-Coming CD (Gaither Gospel Series). The album is set to launch on September 25th. An exclusive version of the CD is now available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, featuring two heartwarming bonus tracks that capture the meaning of the season. The masterful blend of new and traditional yuletide tunes is enhanced by the powerhouse group’s renowned four-part harmonies. The Christmas Time’s A-Coming album marks the Oaks’ sixth holiday CD. In November, the Grammy-winning group will be kicking off its storied Christmas tour of more than 20 years.

“The Oak Ridge Boys love Christmas music. For us, Christmas is about family, home, singing, happiness, love, kids and gifts. But, the main thing Christmas is about is the birth of Jesus Christ; when time quit numbering backwards and started counting forward. No other man has ever walked this Earth who reversed time. So, although we love singing the fun songs, the spiritual songs about “the birth” are very real for The Oak Ridge Boys,” says lead singer Duane Allen.

“We are so excited about our new album, Christmas Time’s A-Coming. As usual, we have a nice mix of songs that we are looking forward to adding to our Christmas show and tour starting in November. Once again working with the youthful acoustic driven mind of producer Ben Isaacs and our own Duane Allen, we have come up with, perhaps, our greatest Christmas collection yet,” says member Joe Bonsall. “From classics like ‘Here Comes Santa Claus,’ ‘Joy to The World’ and the title cut to incredible brand new songs like ‘Peterbilt Sleigh,’ ‘Getting Ready For A Baby’ and ‘Glorious Impossible,’ we seriously think that folks everywhere will continue to celebrate the holidays with The Oak Ridge Boys,” he adds.

Christmas Time’s A-Coming will be available through retail outlets across the U.S., including iTunes and Amazon.com.

For more information, please visit: www.oakridgeboys.com.

Tracks on Christmas Time’s A-Coming
1. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
2. Peterbilt Sleigh
3. Here Comes Santa Claus
4. Christmas Time’s A-Coming
5. White Christmas
6. All I Want For Christmas Is You
7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
8. Getting Ready For A Baby
9. Joy To The World
10. Mary, Did You Know?
11. Mary Had A Little Lamb
12. Glorious Impossible

SGMA announces the class of 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Southern Gospel Music Association’s (SGMA) announced April 5 the 2012 inductees to the SGMA Hall of Fame.

Dr. Jim Goff, induction committee chairman, made the announcement:

In the living category, Jim Hill and Buck Rambo

and in the deceased category, Charlie Burke, Stuart Hamblen, Geraldine Morrison and Ace Richman.

"It will be a great honor to recognize the careers and contributions of our newest inductees this fall at Dollywood," said Charlie Waller, SGMA executive director .

The 2012 Induction Ceremony and Singing News Fan Awards

is Oct. 3, 2012 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

These inductees or their families join the Oak Ridge Boys - Duane Allen, William Golden, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban who will be honored with the James D. Vaughan Impact Award.

Tickets for the event are on sale now available from the SGMA office by calling (865) 908-4040.
The SGMA is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Music Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring Southern gospel music and dedicated to the historic preservation of the genre’s accomplishments, both for the music and the people. Museum hours coincide with Dollywood’s operating schedule. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org.

Retro SGM Radio: Rusty Golden Comes Full Circle

“John in the Jordan”, the latest hit from Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, represents not only a watermark for the co-writing team of Rusty Golden and Jerry Salley, but a light in the window of ‘home’ for Rusty himself. Rusty Golden, son of William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys, has come full circle, back to the home of Southern Gospel.

“I was raised around the whole Southern Gospel thing. My Dad joined the Oaks when I was five and a half years old, so I really did grow up around it; even found myself playing drums with Buck, Dottie and Reba, “The Rambos”. When I was 12 years old, I was out on the road with them,” begins Rusty. The story of this congenial, laid-back musician is varied and interesting. He shared it with SGM Radio on the day he learned that “John in the Jordan” was a number #1 Southern Gospel hit.

“I started on drums and played with the Rambos. When I was with them, Dottie and all of the Rambos played guitar, so I started to learn guitar by watching them. They would teach me chords and during that summer when I was 13, I learned all of that so I could play along.” Rusty Goodman taught young Rusty Golden how to play the drums, and Rusty continued his musical education by teaching himself keyboards by ear along with Elton John LP’s. During this whole time, Rusty was also crafting the art of songwriting.

“My grandmother was my first influence,” says Rusty. “She was the writer of my family. Every month for years the Singing News would publish “Poetry Corner”, and it was my grandmother’s writing. I took some of her lyrics [and added music] and that was my first song. A lot of people don’t know that… I have a couple of copies of those songs on tape put away that to me are priceless.” At almost 90, Rusty’s grandmother is still his biggest fan and is “tickled” about Rusty’s song moving up the Singing News charts.

Rusty’s famous Dad, William Lee, provided an environment of music that nurtured his son’s growing passion for playing and songwriting. “He definitely had everything to do with the fact that I was into it, but he never pushed it,” Rusty explains. “It was just all around me. It’s no different I’m sure from some kid’s dad being a football player and the kid decides he wants to get into football. That’s all I was around. Every time we’d go see Daddy “work”, there I was at a Gospel sing with all these groups.”

“It was just the normal thing for me. I didn’t know that the other kids’ dads didn’t do what my dad did. I knew that other kids’ parents didn’t have other people coming up to them and asking them to have their picture taken with them, or to have their autographs. So that kind of put fairy dust all over me when I was a kid. What kid doesn’t want to have that! It looked like it was something fun to do. It was just the natural thing for me.”

Rusty muses about the changes that happened when the Oak Ridge Boys began to sing more country music. “My Dad and The Oak Ridge Boys kind of got off that [Southern Gospel] path for a while, but they never did it in a weird way. Back in those days it was a little harder for them to try to stretch, things were a little stricter, [like] the rules about hair and all that stuff. They were always bending those rules,” Rusty laughs.

“I think it was all meant to be anyway, the Oaks were able to take quartet singing to the masses. People were saying, “Oh are they a country group now?” I thought, “No, they are always going to be a Gospel Quartet, just singing different lyrics!” As long as you have a tenor, lead, baritone and bass, you’re a quartet, there’s nothing else to it. They’ve always been that to me.”

“Now they go to those Homecoming things and I see all of the people coming up, wanting their pictures with them,” says Rusty. “It’s a wonderful thing to know that they [are accepted now]…I mean, there was a time when maybe some were mad or jealous or I won’t even say what, or just indifferent. But time is a healer. I watched all those barriers fall down and everybody just loved each other. They are all on the same page again. It’s just so great.”

Rusty continues to reveal the story of the Oaks, one that he was a part of while sharing the stage with this famous country group. “I’m so proud of all those guys because I know what they went through, to get where they are. There were years where there wasn’t a gospel promoter that would touch them. They thought the Oaks had turned their back on Gospel music. They thought that once you leave the flock you are gone. And there was a lot of people that thought that way. It was hard for [The Oaks] and they were starving, and what the gospel people didn’t know was that the country people and pop people didn’t want to touch them because they thought the Oaks were too gospel. They were in a bad, starving position there for a while.”

Then Johnny Cash took the Oaks under his wing and brought them to Las Vegas to play in his shows. “Johnny Cash was like Elvis back then, he was as huge as he could be, and he would book them when nobody [else] was booking them. Yet they stuck with it through all that. A million bands would have given up or broken up. And the fact that those guys are still together, through not only the worst but the best of times…”to Rusty, speaks volumes about the Oaks’ dedication and perseverance.

“I am proud of those guys. They have hung in there, stood the test of time. They are still winning, they are still out there doing it.” And while the Oaks were being put through some of the biggest tests of their career, Rusty was finishing his education in music on the road. He soon found that having a famous Dad wasn’t necessarily a positive thing in this very competitive industry.

“It’s what’s known in town as the big double-edged sword, to be the ‘son of’ or the ‘daughter of’ any big thing that casts a shadow. Some people will say, ‘well it ruined my life’. Not me. I’ve had people tell me that’s its held me back because of people not really taking me at face value. And I hate to think about it, but there’s nothing I can do about it. But if it has caused problems, it’s sure not worth changing your name or having nothing to do with your family. It’s not worth running from it. That’s not the way to do things, not for me.”

Rusty continues, “Honestly, I don’t have a problem with people seeing my name and the first thing they think about, or see in me, is my Dad. ‘Oh, he’s William’s boy’. I’m just trying to make the best out of it, make him proud.”

After playing with the Oak Ridge Boys, Rusty went on to play with artists such as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, continued his songwriting, and eventually formed his own bands with his brother Chris. He has played with Dallas County Line and Marty Stuart. Rusty has won awards and gold records in country music and shared the stage with many of today’s best-known stars.

But today, Rusty is celebrating the rise of a Southern Gospel song that he co-wrote, and he is suddenly in the midst of a family welcoming him back home. “This is the first time I’ve ever had a number one song. I do have gold records, but that’s for having songs that were with the Oaks or other artists and they were album cuts. I’ve had singles, but I’ve never had one hit number one. It’s like a brand new thing to me and it’s exceptional. I’m really thrilled.”

“It’s been a great year you know. Ever since Jerry and I wrote the song, and started writing together, it’s just been a wonderful relationship. I’ve known Jerry a long time,” says Rusty. “He was telling me the other day, he wrote a song that was a Dove Song of The Year, probably ten years ago, by Steven Curtis Chapman, called “His Strength is Perfect”. He told me that that song since then has been cut over two hundred times.”

“Jerry and I are on a mission now, an honest mission. Jerry told me, ‘If I could make a living writing just this kind of stuff, I would do it. I love it’. Jerry is pretty successful in mainstream country. I told Jerry, ‘I think, it’s just about getting the right songs’. I’m not saying that everything we write is going to be a hit, but I really believe…I’ve got faith and I believe if you are anointed and you really let the Lord lead, [you will be blessed].”

Rusty continues, “I made a deal with the Lord a while back. I said, ‘I’m putting You in charge. You tell me what to do and let’s do it Your way for awhile.’ And now here’s a #1 record that’s breaking records and I’m giving Him all the credit. I’m tickled! The way it went and got cut and released…it just wasn’t natural. It was a God thing, big time. And I’m respectful for it and of it.”

“Anyway, that’s not all Jerry writes now, but I tell you one thing, I haven’t written any other kind of music since. Honestly, that’s the only thing I have personally written. That’s just kind of the calling I’ve got right now.” Rusty is still in awe about how the song “John in the Jordan” became the latest hit in Southern Gospel. He says it’s a “God thing”.

“I heard from Michael Sykes who was producing some of my Dad’s gospel stuff here in town at his studio, that Bill [Gaither] was coming into town,” Rusty says. “I had said to Michael that next time Bill was in town I’d love to hand him a CD with a few songs on it. Sure enough, I was gigging downtown that night. The office was ten minutes from where I was playing, so I dropped the CD at the office. Thinking back on it, best I can remember, I think it was the Signature Sound guys who were in the studio that night hanging around.”

“So I dropped the CD off on a Monday night, but nobody would listen to it then. But I heard [the CD] was heard by Bill Gaither on Tuesday. Sometime on Tuesday, he had people book time and musicians and everything, and by Wednesday night, that song was recorded. Which was an amazing thing. Especially when I found out after the fact, that the reason Signature Sound was in that studio was that they were doing background vocals on an album that was already finished.”

Rusty still sounds amazed. “They were already finished with their record, Get Away Jordan. So for them to hear something at that late in the game and say, ‘you know what, this ought to be on the record, it sounds like a hit’, and for them to do in and cut it…My Dad’s the one who told me, ‘you know, we’ve only done that a couple of times, when we were already finished and heard something at the last minute that we thought was a winner’. When they did that, Dad said they’d probably single this song.” Rusty laughs. “So that’s what happened, it was a miracle. An honest, Big Lord miracle.”

With his return to Southern Gospel, Rusty has been listening to some of today’s groups and comments on the progressive sounds and solid songwriting. He comments on “Strike Up the Band” by friend and fellow writer, Dianne Wilkinson. “I heard one today called, ‘I Feel a Song Coming On’, it’s really kind of funky, by a group called Three Bridges. Never heard of them, but the song was great and it didn’t sound like a quartet! It sounded like R&B almost, it’s really cool.”

“Honestly, in my opinion, I hope that [Southern Gospel fans] are ready to embrace [growth and change] because it is just going to help the industry. I want friends of mine who maybe aren’t into what I’m into, who are at least cool about listening, saying, ‘man, that’s good stuff’! Whether it changes their life; I’d like to think it could, or would, or whatever, I just want them to dig it instead of saying, ‘aww, that’s something my grandmother would listen to’.”

“And there is a lot of it that this is exactly what it is, and what’s wild is that mine’s kind of like that! When we wrote it, I said, ‘Jerry, this reminds me of something the Oaks could have done back when! But that’s what we went for; I wanted it to sound like one of those songs that you think sounds like a classic. I wanted it to sound like that. We write all kinds and I just wanted that particular one to sound like one of those ‘I’ll Fly Away’ types, kinda familiar.”

This singer/songwriter/musician who has walked a musical path from Gospel to Country and beyond, now finds himself on the familiar trails of the old homestead. Writing music that his grandmother loves, participating in Gaither homecoming tapings surrounded by a great “choir” of old friends, sharing music and faith with some of the most talented people of his generation and the next. The circle of faith has brought this gentleman home.

“It’s a complete 360. Everybody talks about doing a 180, but it’s been a 360 for me. My Dad joined the Oaks when I was 5, and that’s all I knew from the age of 5. Ever since I was born, really, because my Dad was a member of a little tiny gospel group before he joined the Oaks. All I heard was church and gospel music. I never heard anything else. Then I joined the Rambos when I was 12 and I did gospel stuff till I was 17, so that was all my early stuff [influence]. It was not only the music, but also the people and the business of gospel music. That’s what I’m right back into now. I have come back to the business and the songs of gospel. Going to the Gaither taping and seeing people was like going to a big old family reunion. Yeah, I’ve come home big time. I’ve come home to the music of my youth, in every respect.”

Rusty says he has come home ‘in a deeper level as well’. “I’ve joined a church again, for the first time in my life as an adult. And here’s what’s wild: It’s the church I went to when I was six years old.” Rusty continues, “My grandmother is so proud of me! I read the Word all the time. I’m praying, but you know what? My prayers are now “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!” I don’t really pray for much. I feel kind of guilty because I know that He knows what I need. He knows! I don’t want to say, “Lord, gimmee gimmee gimmee”…Or “I wish I had…” He knows that. I just like to say thanks for what I do have.”

“That’s where I’m at right now. And that’s exactly what I said the first thing today, the first thing I did when somebody told me that we hit #1. I didn’t say ‘yippee’, I said, ‘Thank You, Lord!’ I know about the verses that say, “Ask and you shall receive”. But surely that’s not all you do is just ask, ask, ask. I want to praise, and I want to say thank you.”

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound have found a song that will be requested by fans for a long time, and “John in the Jordan” may well be recorded as a classic as the years pass. But for songwriter Rusty Golden, this song is the result of a long journey and evidence that the Lord makes every path straight. Rusty has come home to Southern Gospel and to the source of the faith instilled in him many years ago. His thankful heart testifies to the grace of the God that led him back home.

For more information on Rusty Golden, log on to his website at http://www.rustygolden.com/ .

First Published April 2007 on SGM Radio at http://www.sgmradio.com/
By Lorraine Walker

For current artist features, click on http://www.sgmradio.com/

Oak Ridge Boys Featured in May SGN Scoops

The May 2010 issue of SGN Scoops is now available for download. Click on http://www.sgnscoops.com/sgnscoops0510.pdf to read your issue in .PDF format.

THE 2010 Diamond Awards Nominees are here exclusively for today! Download and go to page 12 to see & cast your ballot!

We are so excited to present the gospel music story of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys! On the heels of their ninth Dove Award, the SGMG Presidential Honor…and just preceding a Diamond Award nod, too, Joe Bonsall talks to us about how the Oak Ridge Boys live and sing out the gospel, and what lends to this group’s impressive longevity

We also feature Southern Plainsmen, more about The Freemans, Gospel Music Nashville week, BrumleyFest, and the Christian-lifestyle views you’ve come to expect at SGN Scoops.

Click on www.sgnscoops.com to download.

Reader tips: SGN Scoops is interactive. Most web links in the magazine are live – click on them to follow to the listed website. All ads and many photos are clickable as well. You can also use our Table of Contents – page 4 – interactively. Click on the article title you want to read and you will be taken there. We think you should read them all!

Oak Ridge Boys to Receive Prestigious SGMG President’s Honor

Nashville, TN – Today, Judy Nelon, Southern Gospel Music Guild (SGMG) President and on behalf of the SGMG Executive Board, announced The Oak Ridge Boys as the 2010 recipients of the SGMG President's Honor during the SGMG Harmony Honors at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on April 19, 2010. All four members of The Oak Ridge Boys - Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban – will be in attendance to accept this honor.

“I fondly recall having the opportunity of presenting a Gospel Music Award to the Oak Ridge Boys in Los Angeles, California in 1973. It just happened to have been Joe Bonsall’s first week with the group. Now, thirty-seven years later, it is such a privilege to present the prestigious SGMG President's Honor to this same amazing group, consisting of Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall in recognition of their long successful career and significant contributions to the field of southern gospel music,” says Nelon.

The Oak Ridge Boys continue to make new music and entertain millions of fans. With numerous Gold and Platinum albums, they have also enjoyed more than a dozen Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits with over 30 million records sold throughout their illustrious 40 year career. With talents that have long been recognized by their peers, this Grammy Award winning group has also received eight Dove Awards, four ACM Awards, four CMA Awards and are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Oak Ridge Boys released their acclaimed new album, The Boys Are Back on SpringHill Records and they continue to perform (with a full touring schedule) live nationwide throughout the year.

Founding member, Duane Allen commented on this great honor, "I have always felt that it was a huge honor to be recognized by your hometown or from one's roots. Gospel music is the foundation of The Oak Ridge Boys' music, Southern style quartet music. I would like to thank all of the former members of The Oak Ridge Boys' organization for laying the groundwork for all of us, and to offer my deepest gratitude to the SGMG for this wonderful honor."

The SGMG Harmony Honors Celebration Concert showcases artists with outstanding accomplishments and award nominations over the past year including Grammy, Dove and Singing News Awards, as well as radio airplay and touring success. The top ten songs of the genre are also recognized. The event will include performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Jason Crabb, Guy Penrod, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck & New River, Bowling Family, Gold City, Perrys, Blackwood Brothers, Tribute Quartet and more.

The SGMG Harmony Honors Celebration Concert will be held on Monday, April 19th at 7:00 pm (CST) in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The SGMG Celebration Concert is free and open to the public.

Media Contacts:
For press credentials contact:
Aaron Crisler
aaron@thejudynelongroup.com
615-474-8673

For more information about SGMG and other media inquiries contact:
Crystal Burchette-Johnson
crystalpr@comcast.net
615-473-4619

To schedule interviews with the Oak Ridge Boys contact:
Kirt Webster
kirt@websterpr.com
615-777-6995 x30