SOUTHMEN SING TO INMATES

The Southmen Quartet recently performed at the Louisiana State Prison, better known as Angola Prison; once called one of the most prison picnotorious prisons in America, now a model for other prisons.
Under the direction of Warden Burl Cain, the prison is now one of the most efficient and respected prisons in America. Warden Cain is a strict disciplinarian, but he is also a very caring person. The inmates not only respect him, but they love him. Some of the inmates told me that the Warden was fair and honest with them and that they could converse with him. Obey the rules – that is all that the Warden asks. Most of the 5000+ inmates at Angola are there for life. They all have jobs, grow their own vegetables, and raise their meat on more than 18,000 acres.
Warden Cain is a Christian and believes that the only answer to our problems will come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And he has instilled this in the inmates. Under Warden Cain they have built churches on the property and have 26 inmate churches. There are many chaplains – both full and part-time with volunteers as well. The head chaplain is Robert Toney and was our host while at Angola. Robert is truly a man of God and has a kind and gentle spirit with a true desire to encourage the inmates.
We loved every moment that we spent with Robert. And, O by the way, he is a great singer and joined in with the Southmen on a number. Out of more than 5000 inmates, Robert stated that more than 2000 are born-again Christians.
Warden Cain has converted Angola into a facility that prisons across the country are now embracing. Our visit there was a life changing experience for The Southmen. We left there with a new attitude, a greater desire to work for Jesus and spread joy and hope to people everywhere. The Southmen are a better quartet with a better ministry, and definitely are better men after our visit to Angola.
Angola is truly a place where God is moving. You could just say that Angola is in revival. Thanks to Warden Cain and Chaplain Toney for allowing us to be a part of what they stand for.

Mansion Entertainment Announces Production and Distribution Agreement with Southmen Quartet

Franklin, TN (February 22, 2013) – Mansion Entertainment, label home to GRAMMY and Dove award nominated artists, is proud to announce the signing of a long-term production and distribution agreement with legendary quartet, The Southmen.

In 1974, Jim Hefner, a young and visionary singer from Virginia, debuted what would become one of Gospel Music's most beloved quartets, The Southmen Quartet. Today, joining founding member Jim is the legendary singer and member of the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, Buddy Burton, as well as, the equally talented Larry Beck, Larry Parker, Roy Bray, and Johny Washburn.

Bill Traylor, President of Mansion Entertainment states, "I love the traditional quartet sound that started the phenomenon, which today we call Southern Gospel Music. The Southmen Quartet is the ambassador of that beautiful 4-part harmony sound that so many people enjoy. We are so pleased to have the opportunity to work with such legends and radio will love it too, especially my good friend, Robin Clayton, at WLRC in Walnut, MS."

Southmen’s newest release from Mansion Records will be available in May, 2013.

For more information about the Southmen Quartet and their upcoming tour dates, please visit www.southmenquartet.com.

THE SOUTHMEN QUARTET

Going “Coast to Coast”

The Southmen Quartet has become one of gospel music’s busiest groups. They spent much of September and October on West Coast tour that took them through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. From there, it
was on to Dollywood, TN for eight shows, into the Carolinas, followed by dates into Virginia, then north to Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. Added to that is work on an upcoming project, along with their new TV show “Singin’ Down South.”
The guys have had little time at home this year. The Southmen manager, Jim Hefner, stated that the Lord had truly blessed the group this year having seen miraculous things from souls saved to physical healings. This has been by far the busiest year ever and he also said that 2012 is shaping up to be even busier with plans underway for another
West Coast tour and their first-ever Canadian trip. Asked when the group would slow down – Hefner
answered “when it stops being fun.” Keep track of the guys at www.thesouthmenquartet.com. For bookings, contact The Beckie Simmons Agency at
www.bsaworld.com. Phone 615-595-7500.