Gospel Music Today For December 1

Aaron and Amanda Crabb are the guests on Gospel Music Today for the week of December 1st. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. The Feature Group is The Page Trio, and Jean reviews new recordings by Keith Barkley and The Dunaways. A Singing News article by Adam Wagner is the subject of this week’s News Notes. The show features singing by Brian Free and Assurance, exclusive video of Aaron and Amanda Crabb, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Nashville,TN, at the Absolutely Gospel Music Fest and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive concert video of 11th Hour at the Owasso Gospel Opry, in Owasso, OK.
The show is on KWHB TV47 in Oklahoma every Sunday at 4:30 PM, and on Roku on FFE TV Monday at 8:00 PM and AllNations TV Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Check local TV schedule for Beaumont, TX, Tyler, TX. Atlanta, TX, and Morrilton, AR. The current edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com.

2014 Diamond Award Winners Announced At Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Pigeon Forge, TN.(November 5, 2014) – SGN Scoops and Creekside Gospel Music Convention was proud to present the 2014 Diamond Awards on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The gala celebration was hosted by Tim Lovelace and included appearances by The Blackwoods,  Karen Peck and New River, the Dixie Melody Boys, the Freemans and many others. The evening was also filmed by WATC, Channel 57 of Atlanta, Georgia, to be aired/streamed at a later date.

The big winners of the night were Karen Peck and New River, who were honored with Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Mixed Group Of The Year and Trio Of The Year. Karen Peck Gooch was the 2014 Female Artist Of The Year.

Ken and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today were award winners and Jean also contributed to the planning of the program. “It was a Southern Gospel star-studded night in Pigeon Forge at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention Diamond Awards. What a blessing to see so many artists and friends for the annual Awards show.  Although it was a lot of work, it was well worth it as the artists sang and the artists and industry professionals received their awards.”

Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group and publisher of SGNScoops, commented, “The Diamond

Awards are always a special time of honoring the Gospel artists that fill our world with the music we love,” said Patz. “It’s great to take this opportunity to thank them and to be able to share the ceremony with fans across the nation and the world by internet. We are grateful to Tim Lovelace, our special musical guests and to WATC for  recording the Diamond Awards. We had a great time at the ceremony and we hope everyone will tune in and watch!”

“What an awesome night at the Diamond Awards at Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2014. What a blessing to be a part of such a great event!” said Vonda Easley, from Strictly Southern With Vonda Easley. Vonda is also a vocalist with Hope's Journey and part of the SGN Scoops staff. “The music was amazing and the winners were deserving. I loved it!”

Jonathan Edwards, from Faith’s Journey, is part of the Creekside crew and the voice of SGN Scoops Radio. He stated, “I am always thrilled at the amount of talent that is featured on the Diamond Award program and this year was no different. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of this special event.”

Lorraine Walker, acting editor of SGN Scoops digital magazine, was unable to be present but noted that a lot of work goes into the planning and execution of the Diamond Awards. "Many people have contributed to this year's Diamond Awards event and I am thrilled that it was such a beautiful night. My thanks to the volunteers and staff of Creekside and SGN Scoops for making the Diamond Awards an exceptional evening. Congratulations to each of the very deserving winners!"

Karen Peck and New River
with Rob Patz

The 2014 Diamond Award Winners Are:

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD: Ed O’Neal

MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR: Karen Peck and New River

QUARTET OF THE YEAR: Brian Free and Assurance

TRIO OF THE YEAR: Karen Peck and New River

DUET OF THE YEAR: Aaron and Amanda Crabb

FEMALE SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: Karen Peck Gooch

MALE SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: Jason Crabb

SUNRISE AWARD: 11^th Hour

SONG OF THE YEAR: Revival – Karen Peck and New River

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Revival – Karen Peck and New River

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Freemans

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Christy Sutherland

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR: James and Jeff Easter – Like Father, Like Son

ANTHONY BURGER INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: Gordon Mote

DOTTIE RAMBO SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Jeff Steele

Ed O'Neal receiving the J.D. Sumner
Living Legend Award

BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Doyle Lawson and Quick Silver

VIDEO/DVD OF THE YEAR: Lead Me Home – The Freemans

FAVORITE ARTIST WEBSITE: LeFevre Quartet

FAVORITE INDUSTRY WEBSITE: Gospel Music Today

PAUL HEIL AWARD (Broadcasting): Ken and Jean Grady- Gospel Music Today

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Jason Crabb

LOU HILDRETH AWARD: Tim Lovelace

PUBLISHER’S CHOICE AWARD: Donna Blackwood

Creekside Gospel Music Convention is being held at the Smokey Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee from November 3^rd through 6^th, 2014. The CGMC is presented by SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group at Pigeon Forge and is the home of The Diamond Awards and other special events. For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

About SGNScoops: SGNScoops Digital is a fully-downloadable monthly magazine that exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. SGNScoops offers music news and views as well as concert and book reviews, inspirational articles and features reaching beyond our gospel music world. SGNScoops is the home of the Diamond Awards, a fan-based annual awards program recognizing the best in Southern Gospel and Christian Country music.  SGN Scoops is always digital, always free. For more information: http://www.sgnscoops.com/

May Edition Of SGN Scoops Now Available!

We are proud of the May issue! In fact, it’s not even summer yet, but this issue sizzles!
Aaron and Amanda Crabb spice up the cover, and their interview will most definitely melt hearts! Also in this issue, catch the latest from Red Roots, the Pine Ridge Boys, and Mark Bishop.
Get the scoop on Devin McGlamery and also Greater Vision’s new music projects, and catch the Younger Perspective with Adam Brown.
Get to know Christian Country’s rising star, Abby Paskvan, and the West Coast’s Keepers of the Faith. You heard the news about the upcoming Cathedral Reunion, but get the inside scoop from Ernie Haase, Mark Trammel and Scott Fowler.
Dr Jeff Steele delivers a word of encouragement, Lou Hildreth honors Tim Riley and Jeff Hawes honors his mom.
Catch up on the latest Creekside Gospel Music Convention plans, see who made the top ten list for Diamond Awards and see what songs are topping the charts.
As always….digital, free and good! The scoop is nestled inside a beautiful magazine and is now available in in two formats. You choose- PDF or flip-style and please share with friends, family and fans.
Download your copy for free here!

AARON & AMANDA CRABB TAKE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT AS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED 'MERCY' RELEASED

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriters and worship leaders Aaron & Amanda Crabb take the national spotlight for multiple appearances this week, as their highly-anticipated fourth recording, Mercy (Difference Media/Capitol Christian Distribution), bows tomorrow to critical acclaim.

Aaron & Amanda Crabb are slated to appear tomorrow on Daystar Television Network’s flagship program, “Marcus & Joni," where they will perform several selections from Mercy. Reaching over 100 million households in the United States and over 680 million households worldwide, Daystar is the fastest growing faith-based television network in the world. In addition, the couple will be featured on an upcoming broadcast of “Life Today with James and Betty Robison,” which airs throughout the United States and Canada and reaches millions of homes in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Highlighting Mercy—among new recordings from such artists as Amy Grant, Alan Jackson and Hawk Nelson—in the “Reasons to Sing This Spring” feature, WatchGMCtv.com says, “Take The Crabb Family’s unmistakable Aaron Crabb with his wife Amanda’s angelic additions and the results are just as appealing to southern gospel audiences as they are the mainstream country scene…”

In addition, CCMMagazine.com’s April issue gives the album a four-star review: “Mercy incorporates the finest elements of country and gospel, invests straightforward messages of Christian hope and features two of the sweetest voices gracing gospel’s recent memory.”

This Sunday San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church will live-stream the official Mercy album release party on the ministry’s GETV.org at 6:30 pm CT. The event, which will feature surprise special guests, will be highlighted by Aaron & Amanda Crabb's performance and the duo responding to questions from fans.

Co-produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs), Mercy features 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the duo, including the project’s debut mainstream country radio single “I’m Learning,” and the multi-format Christian radio single “Take Him To The Place.”

Aaron Crabb gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Crabb Family, one of the most popular acts in Southern Gospel music with more than 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY® nominations to their credit. Since the group disbanded in 2007, Aaron & Amanda Crabb have released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End. The couple serve as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.

Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).

Difference Media recently signed an exclusive distribution deal with Capitol Christian Distribution (formerly EMI CMG Distribution). Mercy is the label’s inaugural release under the new agreement.

For further information, visit www.differencemedia.org

Matt Felts Releases Civil War Project, Angels On The Battlefield

Nashville: Popular Southern Gospel artist Matt Felts has released a new project, Angels On The Battlefield, featuring original Civil War hymns. The historic album features songs familiar to the soldiers of both the North and South, each played on period instruments by Nashville best musicians. The album also includes gripping narrations that honor the role faith played during America's greatest conflict. Felts was joined in the studio on select songs by an all-star cast including Johnny Minick, Mike Allen and Aaron Minick. "This project has been years in the making. I wanted this to be as accurate to what you would have heard if you joined soldiers around a campfire." Felts stated.

     Angels On The Battlefield comes out as the Civil War community celebrates the 150th anniversary of the conflict. The project is scheduled to be carried by all National Parks across America as well as museums and historical gift shops. It will also be sold by major retailers both in the Christian market as well as secular business's such as Best Buy and Borders. "From the beginning, my goal has been to present God's love to people that may never come to a Gospel concert or church service. I am overwhelmed the response that we have already received. God is opening huge doors." added Felts. The project was debuted in Gettysburg in March of this year. "I have heard many Civil War projects and this album is by far the best I have ever heard. It is a must have for any Civil War enthusiast or fan of great music." Said George Lomas, Civil War expert.

     Due to the overwhelming repsonse of this album throughout the Civil War community, Felts will be making select appearances at battlefields such as Gettysburg, Fredricksburg and also in Washington, DC.

     To purchase a copy of this highly anticipated album or to learn more, go to www.AngelsOnTheBattlefield.com

Crabb Family Release on Billboard Top 200

Together Again Tops National Sales Chart

Crabb Family's New Recording Lands on the BILLBOARD Top 200, Contemporary Christian and Southern Gospel Charts

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—February 17th, 2012—Together Again (Gaither Music Group), the all-new studio recording from the multiple award-winning Crabb Family, hit shelves and online stores this week, taking the #1 position on the southern Gospel sales chart according to Nielsen SoundScan. The ten-song release, produced by lead singer and GRAMMY® Award-winning solo artist Jason Crabb, landed the #6 position on the contemporary Christian sales chart in addition to landing at #123 on the BILLBOARD Top 200 list.

“This is really an encouragement to us,” stated Jason. “As a family, to be back in the studio and back on stage for a limited run has been a blast. To see others embrace us and get excited about new music from us, well, that is an honor and it inspires us. We are all doing what we do today because of the support of countless friends and fans over the years. We are reminded yet again of their encouragement and love to us. We appreciate them so much.”

“We are pleased to see such a strong response to the new Crabb Family release,” stated Barry Jennings, president of Gaither Music Group. “This family created something special years ago that clearly remains significant to their many fans who keep coming back for more.”

An extensive tv and media campaign surrounding the new release began earlier this month on networks including GAC, GMC, RFD, FamilyNet, TBN, CTS, CTN, Vision TV, Grace, Legacy, FFE, Miracle and Airtime.

Together Again is available digitally and at retail stores everywhere. It is distributed exclusively by EMI CMG Distribution. For further information regarding The Crabb Family, visit www.thecrabbfamily.com.

About The Crabb Family
Siblings Jason, Adam , Aaron, Kelly and Terah, known as The Crabb Family, took the Christian music industry by storm in the 90’s with their signature brand of country-tinged Gospel, live stage band and powerhouse musical arrangements. The Crabb Family took home 11 GMA DOVE Awards, garnered three GRAMMY® nominations, and blurred the lines between Christian music genres with recordings and nominations ranging from bluegrass to black Gospel.

Their family blends became a hit on platforms varying from the Gaither HOMECOMING stages and “The Grand Ole Opry” to the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Carnegie Hall. Their downhome appearances, highlighted by songs written by the group’s original founder Gerald Crabb, made them a household name in the southern Gospel music community and a “new favorite” across several genres. Heralded by the industry and fans alike, the group produced numerous Top 10 hits and 16 number one hits.

Crabb Family’s New Recording Hits the Street and National Airwaves

Websites Offer Exclusive Interview and FREE Download with The Crabb Family’s Together Again
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—February 8th, 2012—Together Again (Gaither Music Group), the all-new studio recording from the multiple award-winning Crabb Family, hit shelves and online stores everywhere this week. The ten-song release, produced by lead singer and GRAMMY® Award-winning solo artist Jason Crabb, offers fans the first new music from the popular siblings in several years.

An extensive tv and media campaign surrounding the new release began this past weekend on networks including GAC, GMC, RFD, FamilyNet, TBN, INSP, CTS, CTN, Grace, Legacy, FFE, Miracle and Airtime. Gaither.com is currently featuring an exclusive interview with the entire Crabb Family. Members of hearitfirst.com can log on, starting today, to get a FREE download from the new release.
Coinciding with a recent, limited run of national tour dates that the group has just completed, Together Again was recorded with a vocal approach that was musically different for the group, which traveled together for around 15 years, garnering national attention and recognitions.

Apparently, the new style is working as the release has already been described by one reviewer as the group’s best album to date--a big statement given the siblings’ history of hit songs and glowing reviews.

Together Again includes three songs written by the award-winning country writer Neil Thrasher (who co-wrote Jason’s solo hit “Somebody Like Me”) in addition to tunes written by such industry pacesetters as their father, Gerald Crabb; Sue C. Smith; Lee Black; David Moffitt; Gina Boe; Don Poythress; Ronnie Freeman; Stephanie Lewis and Caleb Collins. The recording also features two songs co-written by Jason alongside longtime friend Sonya Isaacs Yeary, country tunesmith Jimmy Yeary, as well as Carl Cartee and Barry Weeks.

“If There Ever Was a Time,” the first single from the new release, is currently playing at radio stations nationwide. The song, a pick hit at several southern Gospel charting stations, just hit the Top 10 New Release chart for February according to reporting stations for The Singing News Magazine.

Siblings Jason, Adam, Aaron, Kelly and Terah, known as The Crabb Family, took the Christian music industry by storm in the 90’s with their signature brand of country-tinged Gospel, live stage band and powerhouse musical arrangements. The Crabb Family took home 11 GMA DOVE Awards, garnered three GRAMMY® nominations, and blurred the lines between Christian music genres with recordings and nominations ranging from bluegrass to black Gospel.

Their family blends became a hit on platforms varying from the Gaither HOMECOMING stages and “The Grand Ole Opry” to the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Carnegie Hall. Their downhome appearances, highlighted by songs written by the group’s original founder Gerald Crabb, made them a household name in the southern Gospel music community and a “new favorite” across several genres. Heralded by the industry and fans alike, the group produced numerous Top 10 hits and 16 number one hits.

Together Again is now available digitally and at retail stores everywhere. It is distributed exclusively by EMI CMG Distribution. For further information regarding The Crabb Family, visit www.thecrabbfamily.com.

AARON & AMANDA CRABB’S NEW RELEASE LOVE WITH NO END AVAILABLE NOW

(Hendersonville, Tenn.) July 21, 2010–Daywind Records is excited to announce the release of Aaron and Amanda Crabb’s newest album, Love With No End, released last week. This recording, produced by Michael Sykes, includes songs such as “The Name Of Jesus,” “Bless Your Name,” and their new radio single, “King Of Glory.”


This husband and wife team recently relocated to San Antonio, Texas to lead worship at Cornerstone Church, pastored by John Hagee. The Crabbs are thrilled about this opportunity to minister to a larger audience, all while continuing to record new music through Daywind. Listeners get a taste of both worlds when Aaron and Amanda are joined by the Cornerstone choir for several songs on this project.


“The latest album from Aaron and Amanda Crabb, Love With No End is by far one of the most enjoyable musical experiences I have had lately,” shares Matthew Hagee, executive pastor of Cornerstone Church. “Every word is sung with sincere emotions from the heart of two people who truly love serving the Lord. You will enjoy Love With No End."


Aaron and Amanda’s previous album, After The Rain, climbed into the Top 20, and was nominated for Inspirational Album of the Year by the Gospel Music Association.
Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, Tennessee and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. New Day is home to such artists as Keith and Kristyn Getty, JJ Heller and Bluetree.


For more information on Aaron and Amanda Crabb, visit www.aaronandamandacrabb.com. For more information on Daywind Records, visit www.daywindrecords.com. For more information on New Day Christian Distributors, visit www.newdaychristian.com.