Showing posts with label Isaacs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isaacs. Show all posts

Friday, May 1, 2015

Michael English Hosts 2015 SGMG Harmony Honors Ceremony

Browders, Isaacs, and Three Bridges With Outstanding Performances

Nashville, Tenn (April 30, 2015) Grammy and Dove Award winning Michael English hosted the Southern Gospel Music Guild's 2015 Harmony Honors. It was a star studded Who's Who of Gospel singing which was highlighted by exciting performances by The Browders, The Isaacs, and Three Bridges.

The Harmony Honors was honoring two of the great songwriters of our era who have passed on to their Heavenly rewards, but leave us songs that will touch hearts many, many years to come. Honored were Dottie Rambo and Rusty Goodman who both have classic Gospel songs to their credits.

Three Bridges opened with the Dottie Rambo hit recorded by many artists including the soundtrack to the 'Preachers Wife' recorded by the late Whitney Houston, "I Go To The Rock”. Bringing the crowd to their feet they got the evening off to a feverish start.

The Isaacs performed Dottie's song "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothin' But Good” and were joined on stage by Rambo McGuire setting the crowd on fire once again. They later performed another Rambo song which has been a huge hit for them. "Mama's Teaching Angles How To Sing”.

The Browders, not to be outdone added their vibrant energy to the Rambo classic "I've Never Been This Homesick Before”. Once again the crowd received this song with worship and excitement.

Michael English sang Rusty Goodman's very popular "Who Am I?” to an exuberant crowd with hands raised and worshipful praise going on. He also told of how Rusty Goodman introduced him to his signature song, and how he didn't like it when he heard it. But, Michael recorded the song with the Goodmans and the rest is history. That song is "I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy”. That was a perfect way to close out the program.

Other performers that evening included The Blackwood Brothers, The Perrys, Tribute Quartet, The Lefevre Quartet, Freedom Quartet, The Nelons, The Jim Brady Trio, The Mark Trammell Quartet, Rambo/McGuire, Joseph Habedank, Goodman Revival, and The Old Paths Quartet.


The program is slated to be aired May 6th on TBN at 10:00PM EST/9:00PM CST.

You can learn more about Three Bridges at http://threebridgesgospel.com or https://www.facebook.com/3BridgesMusic .

You can reach Three Bridges at threebridgesinfo@gmail.com or Twitter at https://twitter.com/3BridgesMusic .

Three Bridges is booked by the Beckie Simmons Agency - 615.595.7500 or www.bsaworld.com .

About Three Bridges

Three Bridges music is rooted in traditional ”southern Gospel” and ”black Gospel” music. This blended style has made Three Bridges an internationally-acclaimed Gospel group — one that is known for tight harmonies, a unique vocal style, an exciting and energy packed stage presence and, most importantly, for spreading the joy of the Good News of Christ. They have entertained and ministered to millions through their recordings, TV appearances and live shows — which is why Three Bridges has quickly become one of the most prominent Gospel groups in Christian music today.

Following the release of the critically-acclaimed debut album, Soldiers (2002), Three Bridges has wowed packed-out venues across the nation…from Gospel singings, business conventions, churches, political meetings, TV shows, charitable relief events – all the way to Air Force One! They have also appeared on many of the Bill Gaither Homecoming video tapings and were special guests on a video for the United Nation.

You can find out more about the Browders by going to http://www.thebrowders.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Browders-Friends .

Contact the Browders by E-mailing sonya@thebrowders.com or Twitter at https://twitter.com/browdersmusic .

To book The Browders contact Beckie Simmons Agency at http://www.bsaworld.com or call 615-595-7500 .

About The Browders

From their beginning traveling together as a family in a Dodge Omni car, to a successful music ministry with national hits, The Browders of Hiltons, Virginia are one of the most exciting groups to step on stage in many years. This family group consists of Tommy Browder, his sons, Matthew and David, and Matthew’s wife, Sonya. They travel year round, keeping a full concert schedule as well as holding revivals across the country. One of their most captivating qualities is that The Browders play much of their music live with Tommy on acoustic lead, David on bass, Matthew on rhythm guitar and Sonya on piano. They also write most of their own music.

In recent years, they have been steadily expanding and improving their ministry for the glory of God. The were voted "Breakthrough Artist of the Year” in the prestigious 2013 AGM Awards. They have enjoyed Singing News #1 song charting success with original songs like "Praise You In This Valley,” "Message Of The Cross," and "Land Of No Goodbyes." . With the release of their highly-anticipated, "The Message” recording came a milestone—their first #1 radio singles. They are currently performing songs from that recording as well as their hits and most-requested songs. Their current new release 'Time Machine' already has a number one song on the AGM Charts in "He's Alive”.

Though things change throughout the years, their mission has remained the same—to bring hope to a lost and dying world and to encourage and challenge believers. They’re real and they’re anointed. We hope that in the near future you are able to attend or host a Browders’ concert to experience how God is working through this team.

To learn more about Michael English go to http://www.michaelenglishmusic.com .

To reach Michael on FaceBook go to https://www.facebook.com/michaelenglishmusic or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/menglish001 .

If you would like to book Michael English for a concert contact the Beckie Simmons Agency at beckie@bsaworld.com or call 615-595-7500.

About Michael English

Renown Gospel singer, loving father and grandfather Michael has a heart for touching the people he sings to. This is evident in the fans who pack the building to see and hear him. Young and old, black and white, and everyone in-between leave the concert lifted just a little higher than when they came in, and many leave changed with a new perspective on life from hearing he message of Michael's songs.

From his early years with the Singing Americans, through his Happy Goodman years and then on through his Gaither Vocal Band and solos years, Michael has stayed strong in his faith and in his love for his fans. From his Grammy and Dove Award wins to his everyday life, Michael stays true to his calling.

Friday, January 30, 2015

GAITHER VOCAL BAND KICKS OFF 2015 SEASON WITH SOLD OUT EVENT IN TAMPA

(Alexandria, IN) – The Gaither Homecoming Tour kicked off the 2015 tour season in Florida with huge concerts in Estero, Jacksonville and a sold-out concert in Tampa. This weekend’s concerts on January 22, 23 & 24, were hosted by Bill Gaither and featured an award-winning artist roster including the Gaither Vocal Band, the Isaacs, the Nelons, Gordon Mote, Charlotte Ritchie and Gene McDonald.
Thrilled by the wonderful audiences this weekend, Gaither states, “I am still in awe that thousands of people want to come out and see us after all these years. I’m still blown away every weekend by the support and encouragement we receive. Thank you to everyone who came this weekend and to all who we will see during the upcoming 2015 tour.”
Tour promoter, Gary Gentry of Premier Productions, states, “I never cease to be amazed. After all these years of working with Bill Gaither, he still delivers the goods night after night with music that blesses all who come. Bill and the Gaither Vocal Band continue their long tradition of musical excellence. If someone out there has not been to a Gaither Vocal Band concert in awhile, take advantage of a concert near you in 2015.”
The Gaither tour will continue in Texas in early February, where the Gaither Vocal Band will headline concerts in Lubbock, Houston and Austin. Visit www.gaither.com for details on these and all other remaining 2015 concert dates.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Isaacs Receive Dove Nominations


Isaacs
Nashville, TN  The Isaacs, collectively and individually received three nominations for the 2014 Dove Awards. Their group nominations are for Bluegrass Song of the Year for ‘Daniel Prayed’ written by G.T. Speer and Bluegrass Album of the Year ‘The Living Years’ produced by Ben Isaacs and Bill Gaither. Ben also produced another album nominated for Country Album of the Year;  ‘Here Comes Sunday‘ by Wilburn & Wilburn.
“We are so humbled and honored to have received nominations in the GMA Dove Awards again this year. The song Daniel Prayed has been recorded many times in different genres, including bluegrass and southern gospel, and we’ve always wanted to do it our style. ‘The Living Years’ is a fun, and insightful album, featuring harmony and light instrumentation, that contains a lot of songs we have loved down through the years, as well as a few originals. We are always grateful when a work of heart gets noticed by such an elite organization.  Thank you Gospel Music Association and fans.” Lily Isaacs stated.
The Isaacs have won over seven Doves in various categories and have had several Grammy nominations in their career.
Ben Isaacs is following up a stellar year in 2013 with awards for his production of projects for groups such as the Gaither Vocal Band and the Oak Ridge Boys with an award already this year for Producer Of The Year at the AGM Awards and now two more nominations for Doves.
Ben commented “I am so blessed to produce the best music in the world for some of the best talent in Gospel Music. To be nominated in this category with so many other talented individuals is truly an honor.”
In other exciting news for The Isaacs, Jimmy and Sonya Yeary along with their son Ayden announced that a new baby is on the way. The addition is expected to join the group onJanuary 31, 2015.
To learn more about the Isaacs got to http://www.theisaacs.com orhttps://www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs or Twitter at https://twitter.com/IsaacsMusic .
If you are interested in booking the Isaacs go to the Harper Agency atwww.harperagency.com or info@harperagency.com .

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Levi Bowman Of The Isaacs Featured In Article

Absolutely Gospel Publicity


Nashville, TN (August 11, 2014) Levi Bowman, a monthly contributor to the Southern Gospel Magazine, Absolutely Gospel Music, as the host of a segment entitled 'Next Generation' has a feature interview in the August issue of SGN Scoops magazine.

In the interview Levi discusses his musical influences, his personal heroes, what it is like traveling with his family, and even his hobby. Read this great interview by Erin Stevens to find out more about Levi Bowman. https://issuu.com/sgnscoops/docs/sgnscoops0814/32?e=0

Levi is the son of John and Becky Bowman and part of the family singing group, the Isaacs. He has been traveling with the group since birth and has music in his DNA being the third generation of one of most popular groups in Gospel, Bluegrass and Country. 'Next Generation' is a video series conceived by Levi and his mother Becky Isaacs Bowman to spotlight younger artists involved in Southern Gospel Music. It was the first of it's kind in any Southern Gospel Music publication.
In the interview Levi discusses his musical influences, his personal heroes, what it is like traveling with his family, and even his hobby. Read this great interview by Erin Stevens to find out about Levi Bowman.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Isaacs Capture Twelve Nominations At Absolutely Gospel Music Awards

Nashville, TN (January 30, 2014) The ever talented, multi-award winning Isaacs have again earned an astounding number of nominations in the prestigious 2014 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards to be held on Tuesday, April 15th at River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN.

The Isaacs are not only gifted as a group but they also excel as individual artists. When you total all the nominations for the Isaacs, plus the songwriting nominations of Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Becky Isaacs Bowman and Sonya's husband, Jimmy Yeary who occasionally performs with the group, the number quickly adds up.

Ben Isaacs also adds a couple of nominations for his skill as a producer and Becky garners two for her singing and playing. The nominations quickly total 12 Awards.

Lily Isaacs commented “We are so honored and blessed to have all these nominations. Thank you to AGM and all our friends. I hope you can join us on April 15 for a beautiful night of worshiping God ".

The breakdown of their award nominations is as follows:

SONGWRITER (ARTIST) Becky & Sonya Isaacs (The Isaacs)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR The Living Years - The Isaacs (B.Gaither, B.Isaacs)

FEMALE VOCALIST Becky Isaacs Bowman

MIXED GROUP The Isaacs

SONGWRITER (PROFESSIONAL) Jimmy Yeary

PRODUCER (ARTIST) Ben Isaacs

MUSICIAN Becky Isaacs Bowman (The Isaacs)

PROGRESSIVE RECORDING Here Comes Sunday - Wilburn & Wilburn (B.Isaacs)

COUNTRY RECORDING The Living Years - The Isaacs (B.Gaither, B.Isaacs)

COUNTRY SONG "Walk Together Children" - The Isaacs (B.Gaither, S.Jennings)

BEST LIVE PERFORMER The Isaacs

FAN FAVORITE The Isaacs

Voting for the Awards begins Saturday, February 15th and will continue through Saturday February 22nd.

Simply go to www.absolutleygospel.com and look for the large banner at the top of the front page and you can click to vote for the Isaacs.

You can learn more about the Isaacs at http://www.theisaacs.com and https://www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs .

The Isaacs booked by the Harper Agency - info@harperagency.com - 615-851-4500 .

The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, often called the “classiest” awards in the industry have been presented since 2002 by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com. The award nominations are chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and other select industry professionals, and most of the winners are then chosen by the fans of the genre and readers of the site. In 2005, AbsolutelyGospel.com held its first AGM Music Awards Celebration which brought in all the artists, industry professionals, and fans for an official awards ceremony. In 2006, AbsolutelyGospel.com held a contest for the readers to name the statue that is presented to the winners at the Awards Celebration, in which "Ovation" was chosen as the winner. The Ovations are handed out on the third Tuesday in April every year.

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About The Isaacs
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of Nashville, TN . The vocalists are Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical influences emerge from all genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary acoustic and southern gospel. Zak Shumate is on percussion and is the only non family member in the group.

Family also just recently sang anthem at Indiana Pacers game and got a standing ovation. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have performed the National Anthem for many sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal's football game, several Nashville Predators Hockey games, an Astros/ Braves pre-season baseball game as well as various political gatherings. They also received a standing ovation for their patriotic performance at Carnegie Hall.

Monday, December 16, 2013

December Issue Of SGN Scoops Available Now

Our gift to you.... December's Issue of SGNScoops Magazine!
Our Christmas edition is stuffed with Christmas goodies! Enjoy the cover story on the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and also enjoy reading about the ministries of the Old Paths Quartet, Hope's Journey and Gold City Quartet. Christmas is about giving, so don't miss special guest writer, Kelly Nelon's story about the Nelons latest mission trip. Also don't miss the story about Steve Ladd's sharing!

This issue includes Christmas Music Reviews as well as Christmas Inspirational articles on Unopened Gifts and Christmas Traditions. Check out concert stories in the Isaacs and the Lesters and don't miss Ben Wolfe's younger perspective on things. Get caught up with Christian Country News, enjoy Life, Love and Legends with Lou Hildreth and read about plans for 2014 Creekside Gospel Music Convention and Diamond Awards.

To make this Christmas Season special for our readers, we have surveyed many of your Southern Gospel Favorites and collected their favorite lines of Christmas carols and songs. December's issue is most definitely a joyful one! Please read and share with your friends, families and fans and also let our staff know how much they are appreciated! Merry Christmas from the SGNScoops Family!

Find The Magazine Here!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

An Isaacs Family Christmas On TBN

Nashville, TN (November 19, 2013) We would like to invite you and your family to spend an hour of your Christmas season with us by watching a new special we taped for TBN entitled “An Isaacs Family Christmas”.
This special features songs from our latest Christmas CD “The Isaacs Christmas“ as well as impromptu performances by the Isaacs and their families. You'll get to know each of our personalities as we tell stories, read scriptures, go shopping, cook Christmas dinner and share our annual traditions for both Christmas and Hanukkah.
Also joining us for live performances is our dear friend Brandon Heath, and the incredible Miss Jamie Grace and her sister Morgan as the duet ...Harper Still. They all share their favorite Christmas memories and traditions with us and we enjoy holiday stories together.
The date and times for the special to air will be announced at a later time. Please look for this information very soon and know how much we look forward to sharing our Christmas celebration with you and your family.
You can learn more about the Isaacs at http://www.theisaacs.com or https://www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs .
You can book the Isaacs at The Harper Agency - info@harperagency.com - 615.851.4500


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About The Isaacs
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of Nashville, TN . The vocalists are Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical influences emerge from all genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary acoustic and southern gospel. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have performed the National Anthem for many sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal's football game, several Nashville Predators Hockey games, an Astros/ Braves pre-season baseball game as well as various political gatherings. They also received a standing ovation for their patriotic performance at Carnegie Hall.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR LORETTA LYNN'S GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL!

All-Star Lineup featuring Mark Lowry, Hoppers, Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, Sneed Family, Rambo McGuire and more Set To Take The Stage at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Historic Hurricane Mills, TN

Loretta Lynn Performing Saturday, September 28, 2013

(Nashville, Tenn.) – A limited number of tickets are still available for the inaugural Loretta Lynn's Gospel Music Festival set to be held September 28 - 29, 2013 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in historic Hurricane Mills, TN. Organizers report the event is nearing SOLD OUT status!

Scheduled to appear during the two-day event are Mark Lowry, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, Gold City, Rambo-McGuire, The Singing Cookes, The Freemans, Brian Free & Assurance, Michael Combs, Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion, and The Sneed Family.

Loretta Lynn will appear on Saturday, September 28, 2013 performing a rare set of Gospel music flavored with some of her biggest hits. The hills will ring with the glorious sounds during the two-day inspirational event as music lovers converge onto the ranch.

For those arriving early on Friday night, September 27, 2013, there will be a special bon-fire and sing-a-long beginning at 8:00 PM.

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN is the perfect destination for this amazing weekend of Gospel music. The full service RV park features primitive camping, pools, canoeing, paddle boats and more. Guests can also tour Loretta’s plantation home, the Butcher Holler Home Place, and her brand-new 18,000 square foot “Coal Miner’s Daughter” museum.

Tickets are on sale now and more information can be found online at LorettaLynn.com or by calling the ranch at 931-296-7700.

Isaacs Warmly Received At Grand Ole Opry

Nashville, TN (September 17, 2013) As the first family of Southern Gospel/Bluegrass, the Isaacs are entering territory others have dreamed of going. Performing fairly often at the Opry, the Isaacs once again received a very warm welcome when they sang on Saturday, August 31st.
The crowd was into their singing from the first song, “The Living Years”, but when they sang “Mr. In-Between” and the ladies broke into those close harmony parts, you could actually hear some swooning going though the crowd.
For their last two numbers special guest Bill Gaither joined them on stage. The audience cheered when Bill joined them on the a capella rendition of “Walk Together Children”, however with the final song of the classic Dottie Rambo tune “If That Isn't Love” the crowd erupted giving them a standing ovation.
On top of their Opry success the Isaacs have also been garnering attention with several award nominations, including Ben winning the NQC/SGMG Producer of the Year Award.
2013 Dove Nominations include Song of the Year - "Why Can't We", The Isaacs, (writers) Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy Yeary, (publisher) R.I.Bowman Music (BMI)//Sonya Isaacs Music/Nashvistaville Songs (BMI)//EMI Blackwood Music Inc/Beattyville Music/Great Day A This Music (BMI
Southern Gospel Performance of the Year - "Why Can’t We", The Isaacs , Gaither Music Group, (producer) Ben Isaacs
Producer of the Year – Ben Isaacs
In addition to the three Isaacs nominations, Ben Isaacs was nominated for co-producing two other projects, "Glorious Freedom", Gaither Vocal Band, Gaither Music Group, (producers) Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs, Michael English, David Phelps in the Southern Gospel Performance of the Year category. Ben was also co-producer on the Country Album of the Year - “Mercy”, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, (producers) Aaron Crabb, Ben Isaacs, as well as Back Home Again, Oak Ridge Boys, (producer) Ben Isaacs.
Lastly Ben was co-arranger of the Bluegrass Song of the Year nomination of "Standing in the Need Prayer", Oak Ridge Boys, (writer)Traditional, Arr. by Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban & Ben Isaacs .
You can find more information on the Isaacs at www.theisaacs.com or www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs .

To contact the Isaacs E-mail them at info@theisaacs.com
To book the Isaacs contact info@harperagency.com


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About The Isaacs
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of Nashville, TN . The vocalists are Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical influences emerge from all genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary acoustic and southern gospel. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have performed the National Anthem for many sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal's football game, several Nashville Predators Hockey games, an Astros/ Braves pre-season baseball game as well as various political gatherings. They also received a standing ovation for their patriotic performance at Carnegie Hall.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Hosts and First Performers Announced for 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards


10th Anniversary of Awards Program Set For April 10, 2012


MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (January 30, 2012) – The administrators and staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) are proud to announce this year’s hosts and first list of performers for the 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration.

The hosts for this year’s Awards Celebration of two of the industry’s most respected female voices and personalities. This year’s hosts are Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River) and Sonya Isaacs Yeary (The Isaacs).



Karen Peck Gooch has been lauded as one of the greatest voices to ever take the stage in Southern Gospel music. She has been awarded the Favorite Soprano award in the Singing News Fan Awards 11 times. A veteran of the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, Karen has won Female Vocalist of the Year twice (including last year), and with her group New River, has won an impressive 15 additional Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Karen Peck & New River has scored over 10 #1 singles over the course of its 20-year history. Gooch recently made her big screen debut in the hit movie Joyful Noise with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton.

No stranger to the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards hosting stage, Sonya Isaacs Yeary co-hosted the 2010 Awards Celebration. Sonya is known widely across multiple genres of music including Country, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and more. Sonya has been awarded two Female Vocalist of the Year, two Songwriter of the Year, and two Musician of the Year awards in this particular awards program. Most recently, the song “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” (which she co-wrote with her sister Becky and husband Jimmy) was recorded by country music giant Martina McBride and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.

“I am very honored to be co-hosting the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards along with my friend, Sonya Isaacs Yeary,” said Karen Peck Gooch. “I’m looking forward to a special night of honoring the finest artists in Southern Gospel music and hearing the top current songs in the industry. It’s going to be a night to remember!”

Sonya Isaacs Yeary said, “I am so excited to be co-hosting the incredible AGM Awards with Karen Peck this year! She’s a hot tamale, what with bein’ in that new big movie and all! I hope she doesn’t try to hog the show! Only kidding, ‘friend’! We are going to have a blast! But seriously, two blondes? This could be dangerous! See y’all there!”

“We couldn’t be more elated with our hosts for this year’s Awards Celebration,” mentioned Deon Unthank, President of AbsolutelyGospel.com. “Sonya and Karen are two of the most respected names in this industry. We know that they are going to do a great job hosting this year.”

In addition, the first list of performers is now available. Performing on this year’s Awards Celebration are The Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, The Perrys, Wilburn & Wilburn, Beyond the Ashes, Eighth Day, and Mark209. In addition, Jeff & Sheri Easter are spearheading a multi-artist tribute to a legend in the Gospel music industry (like the 2010 tribute to The Singing Cookes). More information will be announced at a later date about the specifics of that tribute. Additional performers are still being confirmed as well.

Karen Peck Gooch will also be performing “Mighty High” from the Joyful Noise soundtrack with an all-star choir made up of multiple nominees in this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

More information on the 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including additional performers and sponsors. The date for this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 10, 2012. The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee and is free to the public. The event is scheduled to be streamed live on the internet this year.

The awards program sees two records broken this year. The Isaacs broke the record for the most nominations by an artist in a single year – this year earning 12 nominations. In addition, producer/songwriter/Ernie Haase & Signature Sound pianist Wayne Haun earned a staggering 15 nominations – also breaking a record for the most nominations in a single year by an individual.

In addition, for the first time in the 10 years of the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards – a song that wasn’t released to radio (also known as an album cut) earned a nomination for Song of the Year – the Booth Brothers’ critically acclaimed song “What About Now.” In addition, last year’s Songwriter of the Year (Professional) winner Kenna West earned a nomination for the 2012 Pacesetter Award – the first time a professional songwriter has earned a nomination in that specific category.

Social networking paid off in a big way for artists in the Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category – the only category chosen strictly by the fans and readers of AbsolutelyGospel.com. Surprise nominations from acts like Sharron Kay King, The Ladd Family, and Mark209 saw a huge surge of votes due to their support from fans on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Award-winning Isaacs Release All-new Studio Recording Why Can't We

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—November 1st— Gaither Music Group celebrates today’s release of Why Can’t We, the all-new, studio recording by the award-winning Isaacs. Produced by group member and acclaimed producer Ben Isaacs, the new release, which was recorded in Nashville, follows the group’s previous recording Naturally, which remained in the Top 10 BILLBOARD Bluegrass Chart for over 71 weeks following its debut.
Group member Sonya Isaacs Yeary and husband, Jimmy Yeary, along with group member Becky Isaacs Bowman, penned nine of the songs for this release. One of those new songs, penned by the Yearys with songwriter Ben Hayslip, is “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” the current hit country single by country star Martina McBride.
“I was writing with Ben Hayslip and Sonya,” recalls Jimmy, “and Sonya had this idea of writing about her mom's (Lily’s) story of surviving breast cancer. We threw around some thoughts as to how we’d approach it. We decided to let Lily tell her story, so we put her on speaker phone, and she just really told her story in detail. We based the song on that. It took us about three hours to write it. It can be difficult to put the word ‘cancer’ in a song, but we wanted to talk about breast cancer specifically and some of the hardships that come with that. We started writing it with no notion of what would happen with this song. We just loved writing it and getting it on paper. Then we got the call that Martina had heard it and loved it.”
Lily Isaacs and Becky Isaacs Bowman appear alongside Katy Couric, Sheryl Crow, Robin Roberts and Hoda Kotb, among others, in McBride’s video for the song.
“Sometimes when you record songs, what works in the studio may not translate to an audience,” explains Becky. “When we started writing for this record, we really had that in mind. The more that you are transparent about yourself, the more your audience can identify with you. We wanted to share our stories of survival and victories, so we wrote songs that dealt with things that we want to be transparent about in concert.”
For Becky that includes the song "Waiting in the Water," a song based on the Bible story of the blind man who had an encounter with Jesus and who was told to go to the pool and wash. “It was a two- mile journey to that well according to commentaries,” Becky describes, “and Jesus wasn’t about showmanship; but for some reason, He told the blind man to find his way to the water. I think Jesus wanted to see how strong the blind man's faith was and how obedient he was. Jesus would be waiting in the water.
“Some people are instantly healed,” continues Becky, who was diagnosed herself for ten years with a rare case of Crohns' disease causing inflammation to her eyes and nerve endings, “and some people have to take a journey of faith. I prayed and prayed for healing and felt hopeless so many times. I felt that, like the blind man, I would have to take a step of faith and believe that He would be ‘waiting for me in the water.’ This song is my healing story, and I have found that I can talk to people in a hopeless stage, whether it’s from a long-term illness or something else, because I have been there.”
The Isaacs continue their vulnerability on the release with the song "Why." “I think we are sometimes afraid to ask ‘why’ because we don’t want to question God,” explains Becky, “but when you look at David [in the Bible] and all of his mistakes and questions, you see that in the end God called him ‘a man after His own heart.’ I don't think God minds us asking questions. Sometimes they come from the heart...that is what God wants--a heart for Him. We all make mistakes like David did, but it's not how you start the race; it's how you finish the race with God.”
Why Can’t We also includes the cover tunes “I Still Trust You,” “Hallelujah Turnpike” and “I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary.” The group created a rendition of “I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary” to perform at the Tribute to the Songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither event that was held this year at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The audience as well as Bill Gaither liked it so much the group knew it would be featured on the new recording.
“We like to put our twist on songs to make them sound like us,” says Ben. “You can copy others, but the things that make an impression in most any kind of music are the things that have been different. It’s ok to get the basics from inspiration; but from that, you need to be an original and find what makes a song sound like you.”
The group did just that with the bluegrass tune “Hallelujah Turnpike,” a song they were asked to learn for a tv special/tribute they were doing for the legendary Lewis Family. “We thought it was a fun song and down to the styling of the fiddle, we tried to emulate Buddy Spicher, really creating a tribute to The Lewis Family legacy.
“We thought it was time for a true ‘Isaacs’ band record,’” continues Ben, “I really like the title cut that says, ‘If God can forgive, then why can't we?’ People may forgive, but we don’t often forget, and we find it hard to let go. Musically, I think the track marries this song perfectly...sometimes you only get close to that during a recording.”
The Isaacs have a long history, however, of doing more than “getting close” while creating moving music. The group has received a GRAMMY® nomination, three GMA DOVE Award nominations including a win for Bluegrass Album of the Year and a 2011 nod for Christmas Album of the Year (Christmas, Gaither Music Group), two IBMA Award nominations, an ICM nom and an SPBGMA Award. They have also received fan award nominations for Band of the Year, Song of the Year, Favorite Mixed Group and Instrumentalist of the Year (Sonya); and Ben has won two IBMA Awards as a producer.

Why Can’t We is available everywhere Christian music is sold and is being distributed at retail and digitally through EMI CMG Distribution. The new recording will be positioned heavily at retail throughout the fall and winter alongside other Gaither Music Group releases and will be aired as part of a direct tv campaign on networks including GAC, RFD, INSP, GMC, TBN, FamilyNet, CTS, CTN, TCT, TLN, Airtime 1, GMTN, Grace, Legacy, Miracle and Vision.

For further information regarding The Isaacs, please visit www.TheIsaacs.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Isaacs at CMA Music Festival


NASHVILLE, TENN. (June 2, 2011) – The Isaacs are tuning up for their debut appearance on the nightly concert stage at the CMA Music Festival. The Isaacs will perform the National Anthem as part of the opening festivities for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field on Thursday, June 9, as part of 2011 CMA Music Festival. The evening concert also includes Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Zac Brown Band and more!
Lily Isaacs, vocalist and matriarch of the group, says: "My mother and father were survivors of the Holocaust and I still remember with pride becoming an American citizen on Ellis Island in New York when I was a child. It is an honor to sing the National Anthem with my children - Ben, Sonya and Beckie - at the CMA Music Festival."
ABOUT THE ISAACS
The Isaacs are a multi-award-winning family group that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation, winning the appraise of critics and the loyalty of audiences all over the world. The Isaacs have been making jaw-dropping music for more the 30 years and perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming video and concert series, perform frequently with legendary performers such as: Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Paul Simon, Vince Gill, Randy Owen, Trisha Yearwood, Ralph Stanley, Mark Lowry, and many more.

Friday, February 18, 2011

THE ISAACS GARNER GMA DOVE AWARD NOMINATION FOR THE ISAACS CHRISTMAS


NASHVILLE, TENN. - February 17, 2011 - The Isaacs have garnered a GMA Dove Award nomination for The Isaacs Christmas (Gaither Music Group) in the category of Christmas Album of the Year. The nomination was announced on Wednesday, February 16, during a press conference held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, where the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards ceremony will take place on April 20, 2011.
The Isaacs Christmas debuted on Billboard’s Bluegrass Album chart in the Top 10 Holiday albums and remained there throughout the Christmas season.

The Isaacs latest mainline release Naturally has been in the Top 10 Billboard Bluegrass Chart for over 71 weeks, since its debut.
For more information on The Isaacs, please visit www.TheIsaacs.com, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IsaacsMusic, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs.
The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday, April 20th. The awards show will be televised on GMC at 8:00p.m. ET/delayed PT on Easter Sunday, April 24th. GMC can be seen in 47 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
About The Isaacs
The Isaacs is a multi-award-winning family group that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation, winning the appraise of critics and the loyalty of audiences all over the world. The Isaacs have been making jaw-dropping music for more the 30 years and perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming video and concert series, perform frequently with legendary performers such as: Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Paul Simon, Vince Gill, Randy Owen, Trisha Yearwood, Ralph Stanley, Mark Lowry, and many more.
About the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards
The GMA Dove Awards is Christian/Gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry's highest honor -- the Dove Award.

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. and televised nationwide on GMC Sunday, April 24, 2011 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST. GMC is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 47 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
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Thursday, December 2, 2010

THE ISAACS TO APPEAR ON "AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH EDDIE STUBBS"


LIVE BROADCAST ON WSM FROM
THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM'S FORD THEATER

NASHVILLE, TN (December 1, 2010) - THE ISAACS will be the special guests on Monday, December 6, 2010 during "AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH EDDIE STUBBS" at the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM'S FORD THEATER in Nashville, TN. The national radio show, hosted by CMA Award Winner EDDIE STUBBS, airs live on 650 AM WSM and WSMOnline.com.
"We've been a big fan of Eddie Stubbs and his incredible contribution to the world of music through the years," said Lily Isaacs. "It is an honor for our family to be on his show and share stories of our personal lives."
Tickets to the live broadcast are available only by winning them from WSM on-air or the web site. Click here to register for tickets.
The Isaacs will discuss their career and new project THE ISAACS - CHRISTMAS which has been in the Billboard Bluegrass Charts Top 5 since its September 28, 2010 release.
ABOUT THE ISAACS:
The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of LaFollette, TN (30 min north of Knoxville). Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally.
Lily Isaacs, matriarch of the group, was born in Germany after World War II to two Jewish Holocaust survivors and moved to the United States when she was 2 years old. She grew up in the Bronx, NY studying theatre and performing on Off Broadway and in 1968 recorded a folk album on Columbia Records with her friend as "Lily and Maria." She became a Christian in 1971 when a death in the family brought her and patriarch Joe Isaacs to church for the first time. That night, they began singing Christian music and laid the foundation upon which the Isaacs ministry has been built.
Siblings Ben, Sonya and Rebecca all sing and play different instruments. Ben, the oldest, sings and plays upright bass on stage. He spends much of his off time in the studio producing and playing bass on numerous other artists' albums including Merle Haggard, George Jones, a Jimmy Martin Tribute Project and Cherryholmes, and has received 5 Grammy nominations for the latter two artists. He arranges many of the Isaacs songs and is their sound technician on tour. Ben and his wife Melinda and their three children, Jacob, Cameron, & Kyra, make their home in Hendersonville, TN. Sonya, also living near Nashville, TN is married to Jimmy Yeary, and is the middle daughter and mandolin player/vocalist for the Isaacs. Sonya's husband Jimmy recently co-wrote the Rascal Flatts' hit "Why Wait." Rebecca, the youngest sister, sings and plays guitar and resides in LaFollette, TN with husband John Bowman and their 2 children, Levi and Jakobi. Sonya and Rebecca collaborate on many of the Isaacs songs and have penned most of their hits. They have also penned songs for many other artists including Gold City Qt, Trisha Yearwood, Mark Lowry, Vince Gill, Cherryholmes, Jeff and Sheri Easter, and many others. Sonya is a songwriter for Disney Music Publishing and appears in the 2009 Hannah Montana Movie as a background singer for Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The Isaacs have made frequent guest appearances on many other artists records including Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Paul Simon, Vince Gill, Randy Owen, Trisha Yearwood, Ralph Stanley, Mark Lowry, and many more. They enjoy singing and traveling most though, and provide a professional, style sensitive performance wherever they go.
For more information, visit www.TheIsaacs.com, www.facebook.com/theisaacs, and www.twitter.com/isaacsmusic.
ABOUT WSM:
650 AM WSM’s first official broadcast day was October 5, 1925. The station is the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, which has been broadcast live over the airwaves since its inception. WSM can be picked up in 38 states on 650 AM and worldwide on www.wsmonline.com. 650 AM WSM is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit www.wsmonline.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.
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