Second Annual Ozark Gospel Music Convention

Make plans to be at the second annual Ozark Gospel Music Convention Branson Missouri. You can order your tickets today by calling 417-425-7856 or by mailing a check to Po box 2572 Branson West, Mo. 65737.

www.ozarkgospelmusicconvention.com


Find The Ozark Gospel Music Convention On Facebook Here

7th Annual Alabama Homecoming A Success

Southern Gospel music was alive and well last night in Heflin, Alabama, as JAF promotions hosted the 7th annual “Alabama Homecoming!” On the roster was Hope’s Journey, Josh and Ashley Franks, and the Sneed Family.

The night is sure to be one that will be talked about! Hope’s Journey is no stranger to this venue, and they were right at home and at the top of their game. Josh and Ashley Franks bring a charisma to the stage that is contagious, and the Sneed Family was a breath of fresh air to this part of the country with their tight family harmony and “old school” style.

If the walls could talk, they’d tell you that the name of Jesus was lifted high last night in Alabama. If you have a chance to hear any of these groups live, please don’t miss the opportunity! For more information about JAF concerts, visit www.joshandashleyfranks.com.

The Rick Webb Family Brings Christmas Joy To The World

Lauded Family Ensemble Plans Christmas Tour

Tour Stops Include Callaway Gardens, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Billy Graham Headquarters, and Concludes with The Glory & Majesty of Christmas Extravaganza At Blue Gate Theater

The Rick Webb Family is kicking off the Christmas holidays just a bit early this year with the release of their new holiday recording, Joy to the World. The 10-track project – produced by Jacob Danieley, Dean Hopper and Rick Webb – is filled with exquisitely orchestrated Christmas songs sure to be a welcome addition to holiday playlists. The voices of The Rick Webb Family – Rick, Phyllis, Hannah and Parker – perfectly complement the music with their excellent vocal abilities.

As always, the goal of the talented family is to point others to Christ. “Celebrating Christmas is a personal time of worship for your family,” Rick Webb shares. “We trust this timeless collection of Christmas favorites will once again draw the listener closer to the Savior and warm your heart with the celebration of the season!”

Tracks include seasonal favorites “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “White Christmas,” “Joy To The World,” “Away In A Manger,” “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” among others.

Keeping with tradition, the family will embark on their annual Christmas tour performing 13 appearances throughout the month of December. The tour concludes as the family presents the holiday extravaganza, The Glory & Majesty of Christmas, during a five show run at the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewanna, IN. The show, now an annual tradition, features The Rick Webb Family along with over 28 cast members retelling the Greatest Story ever told!

The project and tour are “must-add” items to your Christmas bucket list. Joy To The World,released by Song Garden Music Group, is available now atwww.RickWebbFamilyMusic.com.

The Rick Webb Family Christmas Tour

12/01/14 – First Baptist Church – Greensboro, NC – 11 AM EST

12/03/14 – Hopkins Chapel Church – Zebulon, NC – 6 PM EST

12/05/14 – First United Methodist Church – Cherryville, NC – 7 PM EST

12/07/14 – White Oak Worship Center – Blairs, VA – 11 AM EST

12/08/14 – Calloway Resort and Conv. Center – Pine Mountain, GA

12/09/14 – Calloway Resort and Conv. Center – Pine Mountain, GA

12/10/14 – Calloway Resort and Conv. Center – Pine Mountain, GA

12/10/14 – Billy Graham Headquarters – PRIVATE EVENT – Charlotte, NC – 6:30 PM EST

12/11/14 – Thomas Road Baptist Church – Lynchburg, VA – 10 AM EST

The Rick Webb Family present The Glory & Majesty of Christmas at the Blue Gate Theater

www.BlueGateTheater.com

12/17/14 – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewanna, IN – 7 PM EST

12/18/14 – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewanna, IN – 7 PM EST

12/19/14 – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewanna, IN – 7 PM EST

12/20/14 – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewanna, IN – 1 PM EST

12/20/14 – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewanna, IN – 7 PM EST

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.

The Williamsons Release New Album - Tell Somebody

Weleetka, OK (October 24, 2014) Talented mixed quartet, The Williamsons, have just released another great album titled Tell Somebody. The album consists of material that is written by some of the most talented songwriters available today, including four songs penned by Lisa Williamson, group member and featured soloist on many of the songs. Closing the CD out is a great classic written by Mosie Lister.
To make a great album you must have great songs and that task wasn't taken lightly. No less than 200 songs were listened to in the deciding process. Choosing 50 would have been difficult, but narrowing it down to eleven was nearly impossible. 

The project was produced by award winning producer, Donna King, known for stretching artists and pulling things out of them they didn't think possible. Donna was present in every step of the process down to the final mix. She was going for the best ever from the Williamsons. One thing about making a great record, besides great songs and well-recorded vocals, is making the little details matter too, from every background vocal, to every note played, and every overdub, and all the mix sounds, the Williamsons covered all the bases to produce the best album of their career.

Donna King commented "Every album I produce is as important to me as my own (if not more important).  To have the opportunity to produce music that affects God’s kingdom, because of the ministry that will come from the songs, is not something I take lightly.  Working with the Williamsons was an amazing experience.  They were FULLY engaged and willing to go places no man "or woman” had gone before  (as far as things they had done in the past).  They understood the importance of great songs and they worked with me diligently on those choices.  They gave me 110% from day one (and there were many days).  That is a producer’s dream.  They are so talented, but they are also pliable and that is a GREAT attribute to ending up with a superb album.  And, most importantly, their hearts are in this for ALL the right reasons!  I LOVE this group and I am SO excited about this album and honored to have been blessed to produce it."

Donnie Williamson. Baritone singer and group manager stated "I believe this is the most powerful music we have ever recorded. The music is filled with the message of Christ that will uplift those who listen and touch them no matter where they are in life.”

Lisa Williamson also said "Some of the best songwriters in Gospel Music are represented on this project and I am honored to have four of my songs included.”

The first song released to radio is "It Was The Word” written by Lisa, and it is already being accepted well by DJs across the country.

Songs include:
It Was The Word 
That's What I'm Talking About
All Our Hope
Shout
Monday
He Lived To Tell It
No Umbrellas
I Laid It All Down
Healing For The Hurting
I've Got To Tell Somebody
While the Ages Roll

You can learn more about the Williamsons by going to http://www.williamsonsmusic.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Williamsons . 

To book the Williamsons contact scheduling@thedominionagency.com .

God is FAITHFUL to the FAITHFUL

Hello friends, we hope that everyone is doing well. 2nd Generation has been very busy and we are so thankful for the powerful services that we have been having. We are seeing souls saved, and lives changed and that is why we do what we do.

A few months back we had the honor of being the guest on the "Gospel Music Showcase" program on the Daystar network. We were in shock when we received the call from Daystar asking us to be their guest. We were like little kids in a candy store. We are just preachers kids from the Ozarks and being on TV is a "BIG DEAL" to us. HAHAHA...
I must say that we were treated like royalty from the minute we arrived in Dallas TX. It was an experience that we will never forget and we are forever grateful.

I know some of you were unable to watch the program when it aired, so I wanted to send you the link so you can watch it and hopefully be blessed.  If you enjoy it please let Daystar know that you enjoy the Gospel Music Showcase. We are thankful that they present Southern Gospel Music every week. To watch 2nd Generation on Gospel Music Showcase click the link below.

We are preparing to go back into the studio to record a new CD and we are excited about having a CD with Randy Barnes on it. We can't wait for you to hear our new songs. God is so good to us and we are so thankful for the calling upon our lives.  We are asking for your prayers as we continue to prepare for this recording. It takes finances and time to make this happen and we know that God will make it happen.

We love you and appreciate each of you and we can't do what we do without your prayers and support. Thank you for believing in 2nd G.

Always remember,  He is FAITHFUL to the FAITHFUL!!

Brenda, Elaine, & Randy
2nd Generation Ministries

Mercy's Well Featured On The Gospel Greats

 

Nashville, TN (October 9, 2014) – Powerhouse Christian music artist, Mercy's Well, was the featured group this past weekend on the highly-acclaimed syndicated Gospel music radio show, The Gospel Greats. 

 

Gospel Greats radio host, Paul Heil, interviewed the group and featured many new songs from their brand new album entitled TODAY.  Heil included the title cut of the new album, "Today," written by the album's producer Donna King. He went on to feature several more, including a song that is being noted as a potential classic in the Southern Gospel music genre, "Trade This Valley For A Mountain." That song was written by award-winning songwriter, Wayne Haun, along with the talented Lyn Rowell.

The debut single from the record, "I Wanna Hear The Gospel," written by outstanding writers, Lee Black and Gina Boe, arrived at Christian radio nationwide about 3 weeks ago and it's taking off with record speed.

 

Brad Strider of Mercy's Well expresses, "We couldn't be more thrilled with what God is doing in our ministry and through this new music.  This album has been a long time in the making.  We hadn't released a mainline project in several years. With that, we really took our time and put a lot of prayer into the decisions on each and every song.  While we love to have chart-topping songs, like "More Like Jesus, Less Like Me," from our last album, our focus remains on what these songs do to minister to the hearts of people who hear them, either in person or on awesome radio shows like the Gospel Greats."

 

The new album is available digitally on iTunes and other digital download sites.  It is also available for purchase on Mercy's Well's website, mercyswell.com, or, at Springside.com. NOTE: In celebration of the recent featured artist show, you can order the album on Springside at 20% off for a limited time. 

To listen to clips or to learn more about Mercy's Well, visit mercyswell.com.  Like them on FACEBOOK here or follow them on TWITTER @mercys_well.

 

To learn more about the Gospel Greats or to find a station near you that carries the program, visit their website, www.thegospelgreats.com.  You can also hear the show every week on Sirius/Xm's Enlighten.

CATHEDRALS FAMILY REUNION LIVE Recordings Top the Week’s Sales Charts

Strong Street Week for CD and DVD Honoring the Legacy of Legendary Quartet

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—September 17th, 2014--The all-new Cathedrals Family Reunion, Past Members Reunite LIVE in Concert video debuted at #1 on this past week’s Christian Music Video chart and at #2 on the Billboard Music Video chart according to Nielsen SoundScan.  The audio version of the recordingtopped the Southern Gospel chart and landed at #25 on the Contemporary Christian chart. Released by Gaither Music Group and Innovative Management and Consulting, LLC (IMC), the recordings capture the historical concerts that took place on November 8th and 9th, 2013, in Fort Worth, Texas, at theMacGorman Performing Arts Center where five former members of the legendary Cathedrals combined voices to celebrate the group’s legacy and pay honor to its founders Glen Payne and George Younce. The two-day event featured performances by tenor Ernie Haase and his GRAMMY®-nominated quartet Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; baritone Scott Fowler and Legacy Five (a group he co-founded after The Cathedrals retired); lead vocalist and piano player Gerald Wolfe and Greater Vision (the heralded trio he formed upon leaving the group); beloved baritone and bass player Mark Trammel and The Mark Trammel Quartet; and tenor Danny Funderburk, now a popular solo artist and household name among gospel music lovers.  The recordings, an encouraging walk down memory lane, are a tribute to group members Payne and Younce, two patriarchs and mentors who were an inspiration to countless singers for many decades.     The excitement about the recordings and the overwhelming response to the initial concerts in Texas has resulted in a national tour in six select markets organized by IMC in association with Showcase Management.  The tour will start this November in Akron, Ohio, the birthplace of the original Cathedral Quartet where it all began. Produced by award-winning producer/songwriter Wayne Haun, the Cathedrals Family Reunion, Past Members Reunite LIVE in Concert CD contains classic hits such as “Wedding Music,” “Yesterday,” “Somebody Touched Me,” “Step into the Water,” “Oh, What a Savior,” “Champion of Love,” “We Shall See Jesus” and more.  The companion DVD, produced by IMC’s Landon Beene, contains 17 songs including additions “Oh, Come Along,” “We Shall Be Caught Up,” “Search Me O God” and more.  The new CD and DVD are part of a tv special airing this fall on Dish TV, DirecTV, AT&T Uverse, GaitherTV, TBN, RFD, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT and TLN.  It will air in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV; and the projects are featured in the current HOMECOMING Magazine. The releases are distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and are available at retail and digital outlets worldwide including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com.  For more information on the event and/or to purchase tickets or product, please visit www.CathedralsFamilyReunion.com. CATHEDRALS FAMILY REUNION Tour Dates: Sept. 24, 2014 – Pigeon Forge, TN (Matinee preview performance) Nov. 7-8, 2014 – Akron, OH Nov. 14-15, 2014 – Fort Worth, TX Jan. 15-16, 2015 – Orlando, FL Apr. 24-25, 2015 – Denver, CO Jul. 17-18, 2015 – Lancaster, PA Oct. 9-10, 2015 – Branson, MO

Count Down To Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2014

Get Your Free Tickets For Creekside Gospel Music Convention Here

Patterson Homecoming A Success

Pigeon Forge, TN, noted for it’s beautiful Smoky Mountains, family entertainment, and wholesome environment, is beginning to be known as the center of Southern Gospel Music so it’s appropriate to be the home for the ANNUAL PATTERSON PROMOTIONS HOMECOMING!

This year’s Homecoming included a Talent Search, Morning Devotions by Wanda Osborne, an Artist Seminar presented by Phil Cross, plus two days and nights of Gospel Music, Christian entertainment and fellowship featuring regional and nationally known Artists. The lineup included The Hoskins Family, Ann Downing, The Dunaways, Tim Livingston, The Pruitt Family, Sharron Kay King, Phil Cross, The Wilbanks, and many more. The emcees were the incredible and hilarious Tim Lovelace and Sue and Jeff Duffield.

Pauline Patterson, founder of the event, has a genuine love for people and a passion for spreading the Gospel through Southern Gospel music. In 2005, she ventured into the world of promoting Southern Gospel music to radio. Nine years later she is recognized as a leading promoter of the genre.

Pauline says, “What a time we had at our 2nd Annual Patterson Homecoming! The Spirit filled the auditorium! The artists that took part in this year’s event added so much to its success. I’m proud to say that we work with some of the best men and women of God in the Southern Gospel Industry! They are the cream of the crop. God has truly blessed Patterson Promotions through the years to work with some awesome ministries. If you didn’t make it this year, hopefully you can be with us next year. Lord willing, we will do it all over again!”

Make plans now to join us for the 3rd Annual Patterson Promotions Homecoming  which will be held at the Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN on Thursday and Friday, May 14-15, 2015. An afternoon showcase of artists will be added for next year. There is no admission charge; it is supported by contributions of individuals and sponsors.
www.pattersonpromotions.com or www.southerngospeltimes.com

“Gospel Music Hymn Sing” set for September 22 release

MORRISTOWN, TN – September 11, 2014 – Gerald Wolfe has announced the upcoming release of Gospel Music’s first-ever BluRay Disc.  The “Gospel Music Hymn Sing” recording will be the first Gospel Music event to be released in the High-Definition, BluRay video format.  The BluRay Disc will be released on Monday September 22, 2014 at the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The “Gospel Music Hymn Sing” was recorded on July 7th, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Morristown, Tennessee, in full 1080p High-Definition and 5.1 Surround-Sound audio. The recording features 30 Hymns and Gospel Classics, sung by 1,400 voices, including 46 well-known Gospel Artists and a 100-voice Choir, accompanied by a live band.

Gerald Wolfe, Producer of the “Gospel Music Hymn Sing,” said “We wanted to give the viewer the experience of being in the audience, when they watch the video. A BluRay Disc is currently the only way to see a video in full 1080p resolution.  When you include 5.1 Surround-Sound, it becomes an almost-immersive experience, and it’s the closest a person can get to “being there,” without actually being at the event.” Wolfe added, “Greater Vision was the first Gospel Artist to release a DVD, back in 1996, and we’re really excited to be a part of moving the greatest music in the world into the BluRay format.”

The video was recorded by ViewFinders, and Produced and Directed by Kim White.  “When you watch the stunning, full HD video and listen to 1400 voices in 5.1 Surround Sound… I guarantee you will have to remind yourself over and over that you aren’t actually in the 2nd row!  All of us at ViewFinder’s are thrilled to be a part of this Blu-Ray release!” White commented. The Live-Event was promoted by IMC Concerts, and the BluRay Disc manufacturing is being overseen by Tribute Media Source.  Landon Beene, President of IMC Concerts and Tribute Media Source, said “We have the greatest musical genre in the world.  I’m so honored we have the opportunity to bring the very best quality and cutting edge technology to the viewers and listeners by way of Gospel Music’s first-ever Blue-Ray Disc.”  The 5.1 Surround-Sound audio was recorded and mixed by award-winning Engineer, Bob Williams.

The “Gospel Music Hymn Sing” recording will also be released on DVD and a Music CD.

DECLARATION RELEASES NEW SINGLE “LIGHTEN UP”

Declaration

One of Southern Gospel’s newest and fastest-rising artists, Declaration, has released a brand new song to radio. “Lighten Up” is an encouraging tune that is sure to brighten the listners day! This is the groups follow-up single to their Singing News Top 80 hit, “It Wasn’t Me.”

The song was written by songwriting newcomer, Haley Young, who wrote the song to remind people to, “Relax because Jesus has everything under control.” Declaration members say they are excited about the song because it’s a great message for today that happens to be set to a tune that you can’t help singing all day long.

“Lighten Up” is slated to appear on the new Declaration record Set Free, slated for release in late September.

For more information regarding Declaration, radio song ‘Lighten Up’ or the upcoming project, ‘Set Free’ visit www.DeclarationTrio.com.

Steeles Name Matthew Thompson As New Singer

THE STEELES are excited to be beginning a new chapter in life and ministry!  About a year and a half ago Sherry and Jeff Steele joined forces with long time friend Andrew Ishee and began performing a series of dates called Monumental Monday’s with THE STEELES.  Jeff states “I was The Senior Pastor at our church and Andrew was the Worship pastor at his church and we arrived at Monday as about the only date we COULD work.  None of the three of us ever had any intention, nor did we ever even talk about ever doing this full-time again.  The dates were a resounding success but even THAT never became a conversation about going back full-time.  We were having too much fun!

The Lord began to deal with Sherry and I about going back.  We asked Andrew what HE thought and after some prayerful consideration he decided that (with he and his wife Sheree having two small children) the time was just not right for him.  There are absolutely NO hard feelings.  We could not love Drew any more than we do…still talk every day and are so happy for the time we shared together.”  Andrew says…”I DO love Sherry and Jeff.  I have known them all my life.  We have had a blast!  I am thrilled to see them take this opportunity to minister full-time on the road again.  I just feel like (and I learned this from Dr. Steele) that my most important ministry (at this time in life ) is to be a godly father to my two little girls and a “present” husband to my wife Sheree.   I will still do some of my piano concerts as the schedule allows and I will pray for the ministry of THE STEELES!”

THE STEELES conducted a nationwide search for a new singer and landed on another life-long family friend Matthew Thompson.  Matthew has sung previously and most recently with The Men of Music!  His brother Landon was a member of the group Testify and is now serving a church in Houston, TX.  He heard about the opening and recommended that Matthew try out for the position.  Sherry says “we are excited about this step of faith and trust the Lord for our future as we walk through this new door.”  Keep up with THE STEELES singing and preaching ministry @ www.jeffrsteele.com and through Facebook and Twitter

The Southern Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce Class Of 2014

The Southern Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce the eight individuals who are the 2014 inductees to the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Each of the inductees have left their own special touch on Southern Gospel music, and as a result, it is only fitting that his or her contributions and work be forever honored.

Southern Gospel Music Association president Arthur Rice says, “As we have been with each inductee class, we are very excited to have another group of Southern Gospel pioneers and leaders come into the Hall of Fame membership. The Southern Gospel Music community has certainly benefited from the work and dedication of these people through the years.”

The newest members of the Hall of Fame are… 

Colbert Croft (deceased)

Eddie Crook

Claris G. “Cat” Freeman (deceased)

Paul Heil

Claude Daniel Hopper

Warren Lester Roberts (deceased)

Faye Ihrig Speer

Francis Jane “Fanny” Crosby Van Alstyne (deceased)

Induction honors will take place during the National Quartet Convention to be held Sept. 21-27, at The LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Inductions and tributes for the deceased members of the “Class of 2014″ will take place during selected evening NQC performances. The Singing News Fan Awards on Thursday afternoon will host the induction honors for the living members of the 2014 class.

Claris G. “Cat” Freeman

Mr. Freeman was born March 11, 1922, near Fyffe, Alabama, to Gordie and Mae Hicks Freeman. He was one of six children, including a younger sister, Vestal, who would later be known as Vestal Goodman. He was gifted with an amazing tenor voice, and at age 14, began singing with The Maddox Brothers. In 1940, Mr. Freeman met Lee Roy Abernathy, who was so impressed that he recommended the young singer to The Blackwood Brothers, a group Mr. Freeman ultimately joined in 1948.
In 1951, Mr. Freeman joined Hovie Lister and The Statesmen Quartet during the group’s “glory days” that took them to the top of Gospel music. He was with them until 1953. He returned to that group in 1957 following the unexpected passing of Denver Crumpler. In addition to The Blackwood Brothers, Mr. Freeman also sang for The Oak Ridge Quartet, The Revelaires Quartet, The Melody Masters Quartet, The Deep South Quartet and The Jubilee Quartet.

Mr. Freeman was known for his humorous antics and showmanship on stage. In his time, he was considered to be the best at relating to an audience, and then capturing the song that would stir them out of their seats.
Mr. Freeman spent much of his time in his later years teaching others through old-fashioned singing schools that went from church to church and home to home. After his death on March 21, 1989, The Premiers Quartet of Rainsville, Alabama, established The Cat Freeman Foundation in 1990. The foundation would assist aspiring young artists to attend Southern Gospel music singing schools, such as the Alabama School of Gospel Music, the Steve Hurst School of Music Ministries and the Stamps-Baxter School of Gospel Music. The Cat Freeman Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships each year to young artists.

Eddie Crook

Mr. Crook began his career in 1961 as the pianist for The Tennesseans. He soon began session work at the famed RCA studios on Music Row in Nashville. In 1964, Mr. Crook joined The Plainsmen Quartet, and toured with Governor Jimmie Davis. The group also worked in crusades with Evangelist Billy James Hargis.

From 1967-1970, Mr. Crook played for The Sego Brothers & Naomi. However, Mr. Crook is best known for his time as pianist for The Happy Goodman Family. During this time, he and fellow member, Aaron Wilburn, co-wrote the well-known Southern Gospel songs, “Just Any Day Now” and “What A Beautiful Day.”
In 1977, Mr. Crook started The Eddie Crook Company, becoming one of the most recognizable producers in the industry. He helped launch the careers of many notable groups including The McKameys, The Bishops, The Perrys, The Wilburns and The Mid-South Boys. Several recording labels developed from the parent company, including MorningStar, Cross & Crown Records, 4 Square, Renaissance, Harvest, Wren, and Cedar Hill. Mr. Crook also has the distinction of producing more No. 1 Gospel songs than any other producer.
Along with The Happy Goodmans, Mr. Crook was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1998. He was awarded “The Marvin Norcross Award” in 2004 along with his wife, Janice. In 2005, his name was added to “Piano Roll of Honor.”

Paul Heil

Mr. Heil grew up in York, Pennsylvania. As a pastor’s son, he came to faith in Christ at an early age. He and his family moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when his father was called to pastor a church there. He developed his love for Southern Gospel music by hearing The Couriers in concert.

While in high school, he became interested in news media, and was hired by a local radio station. He became an award-winning radio news director. Mr. Heil later moved into television, where he was a TV news director from 1977-1979.

Mr. Heil was always interested in syndication, and was inspired by the Top 40 chart in Singing News and other popular countdown-type radio programs. This laid the foundation for “The Gospel Greats,” and the first broadcast aired in February 1980 on five or six stations. Today, the program is heard on more than 200 stations. In 1986, he started Springside, which is one of the largest on-line catalogue sites for Southern Gospel music.

Mr. Heil is a founding member of the Southern Gospel Music Guild, and served as president for nine years. He was vice-president of the Gospel Music Association, and currently serves on the advisory board of the SGMA.
For 15 consecutive years, “The Gospel Greats” was awarded the “Favorite Syndicated Program” in the Singing News Fan Awards. Other personal achievements include The Marvin Norcross Award (1991), The James D. Vaughn Impact Award (2004), and The Lifetime Achievement Award (2009).
Of all his achievements, Mr. Heil says the most exciting is hearing from listeners who have been saved and touched by the Lord. He reminds us all that “The Gospel Greats” is “the greatest songs about the greatest message…the Gospel.”

Francis Jane Crosby  Van Alstyne

As David was called the “sweet psalmist of Israel,” Fanny Crosby is the “sweet ‘hymnist’ of the church”. She is said to have written more than 9,000 hymns, many of them the most beloved of the church.

Francis Jane Crosby was born on March 24, 1820, in Brewster, New York. She became ill at six weeks of age, and treatment by a man posing as a doctor left her blind. After the death of her father, she was assisted by her grandmother, Eunice, while her mother worked. Eunice would read the Bible to young Francis, and she would memorize several chapters a week. Her poetic ability was recognized early when at age eight she wrote, “Oh! what a happy soul I am! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contented I will be.”

At 15, she entered the New York Institute for the Blind, and became a teacher there. While at the Institute, she met presidents, congressmen, and even read her poetry before Congress, becoming the first woman to speak in the Senate. She met and married Alexander Van Alstyne, who was also blind and musically gifted. She was hired by William Bradbury to write hymns for his publishing company; and she also worked with fellow noted hymnist, Robert Lowery.
Some of her most well-known works include: “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” “Near the Cross,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” “Rescue the Perishing,” “I Am Thine, ‘O Lord,” “Jesus is Calling,” and her personal testimony, “Blessed Assurance.”
She continued to write up until her death at age 94. Someone once asked her if she regretted being born blind. She replied that she would have prayed to be born blind, “Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” She met the Savior when her faith ended in sight on February 12, 1915.

Rev. Colbert Croft

For many songwriters, songwriting is their passion and pursuit. But for some, the songs are an overflow from dedicated ministry of the Gospel. Such are the songs of Rev. Colbert and Joyce Croft, which number more than 5,000.
Rev. Colbert Croft was born on May 4, 1941, in Berlin, Georgia. He was not a Christian until after he began dating Joyce. After telling Joyce that he couldn’t marry her because she needed to marry a preacher, Mr. Croft went to the First Baptist Church in Jasper, Florida, where he was soon saved and called to preach. They were married in 1964. He began his ministry as a pastor, but entered full-time evangelism when he and Joyce sensed the call from God on the same day.
The Crofts were married for 49 years, and were a ministry team. Rev. Colbert would write the lyrics, and Joyce would pen the music. They wrote one of the best-known songs of today, “I Can’t Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand).” Other songs include “I Believe When He Died, He Died for Me,” “Is That Footsteps I Hear?,” and “Flow Through Me.”
For more than 25 years, the Crofts hosted the annual Labor Day Singing in Valdosta, Georgia, which featured many of the top groups in Southern Gospel.
Rev. Colbert Croft passed away January 1, 2014. It was said of him, “His life was a life of proclaiming the cross and blood of the Savior through songs and sermons. Ministry was not his vocation—it was his life.”

Warren Lester Roberts

Mr. Roberts was born August 4, 1920, in Red Oak, Georgia. While in high school, he developed a desire to be in radio. His first job was at WEAS in Decatur, Georgia, in 1947. He played all genres of music, but his preference was Southern Gospel.
In 1948, Mr. Roberts began producing the popular radio program, “Gospel Quartet Time”, which aired for 40 years. He became the “Master of Ceremonies” for the iconic “Wally Fowler All-Nite Singing” at the Atlanta Civic Auditorium. This popular singing featured all the top groups of the day. In 1958, he was signed by an Atlanta NBC affiliate to do a weekly, 30-minute Southern Gospel television program. “Warren Roberts Presents” became very successful in the Atlanta area, and was later extended to one hour. In 1971, he hosted a live Southern Gospel program on the Christian Broadcasting Network, which was broadcast nationwide.
Mr. Roberts also enjoyed success as a songwriter. He penned “Somewhere Along the Way,” which was recorded by George Beverly Shea. “May The Lord Bless You Real Good,” which he co-wrote with Wally Fowler, became the theme song of the movie, Ada, and was sung by Dean Martin. But, Mr. Roberts often said his “claim to fame” was when he introduced Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters on the live recording of Here Come the Rattlesnakes.

Mr. Roberts said being in broadcasting allowed him to do his favorite two things: be on the air, and communicate with people the message of Jesus through the music.

 Faye Ihrig Speer

Since 1921, the name “Speer” has been synonymous with Southern Gospel music. The Speer Family has more inductees in the SGMA Hall of Fame than any other family. In 1948, Faye Ihrig married Brock Speer, and became a part of that family legacy.
Faye Ihrig Speer was born October 19, 1928, in Augusta, Kentucky, the daughter of a Nazarene preacher. She met Brock Speer while singing in a college ladies’ trio. They were soon married, and typical of the life ahead for her, their honeymoon included performing with the family at an all-night singing. Mrs. Speer’s time with The Speer Family varied according to demands of family life. She sang until her children were born. She returned to the group in the 1960’s when Dad and Mom Speer’s health began to decline. As part of The Speer Family, Mrs. Speer appeared across the nation on numerous television programs. In 1979, she was a part of the group’s first No. 1 song, “What Sins Are You Talking About?” She was also featured on many of the group’s 70+ recordings.

Following The Speer Family’s retirement in 1998 and her husband’s death less than a year later, Mrs. Speer made frequent appearances on the Gaither Homecoming videos. Mrs. Speer has received numerous awards both as an individual, and as a member of The Speer Family, including The Living Legend Award by the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, and well-deserved civic recognition for her volunteer service in the pediatric clinic at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

Looking back over her life, Mrs. Speer says, “Two things I’ve learned in life are that God never fails and we all go through changes.”

Claude Daniel Hopper

Mr. Hopper was born the son of a sharecropper on a tobacco farm in Madison, North Carolina, October 8, 1937. He was saved as a teenager, and enjoyed listening to Gospel music on the radio. In 1956, he attended his first Southern Gospel concert, and it changed his life. Along with four of his seven brothers, he started The Hopper Brothers in 1957. His future wife, Connie Shelton, joined as pianist in 1958. It was the beginning of what would be known as “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music.”

Mr. Hopper married Connie in 1961, and they have two sons, Dean and Michael. When Connie became a vocalist in 1970, they became The Hopper Brothers & Connie.

Dean married Kim Greene, and she joined the group in 1989. They became known as The Hoppers.
Mr. Hopper’s legacy is entwined in the success of The Hoppers. In 1981, they were honored to sing for the inauguration of President Reagan. They are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming video series, and combined, the group has won more than 60 awards for mixed group, vocalists, musician, and more.

In September 2011, the Southern Gospel Music Guild board recognized Mr. and Mrs. Hopper’s significant contributions to the music industry with the SGMG Lifetime Achievement Honor. In 2012, The Hoppers were inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame.
In addition to performing, Mr. Hopper is a respected businessman and a leader in the Gospel music industry. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Quartet Convention and oversees “Hopper Heritage Foundation”, an organization that provides scholarships to future singers, ministers and businessmen.

Mr. Hopper’s lifelong philosophy is reflected in the song, “If I Can Help Somebody.” He says, “by helping others help themselves, then you have already achieved what you wanted in life.”

A&G Entertainment Ships First Compilation Disc To National Radio

Ripley, Mississippi, September 8, 2014- The first radio compilation disc produced by A&G Entertainment, founded by Gerald Crabb and Alisa Asbury, has been sent to national radio. “I am thrilled to launch a new record label and promotions company,” Crabb stated.  “Back in the early 2000’s, I helped launch a label, “Family Music Group” that garnered several #1’s, Dove Awards, and Grammy nominations. It is exciting to get back into producing new music and also assist new artists in developing their careers.”

Gerald Crabb is releasing his first single, “He Loved Till He Died,” from his latest album,BACK PORCH MISSISSIPPI. The song was written by Gerald Crabb and produced by the talented musician and producer, Brad Davis. The ballad features beautiful harmony from guest vocalists, Sonya Yeary Isaacs and Ben Isaacs and features Andy Leftwitch on the fiddle.

“Make It,” written and produced by Gerald Crabb is performed by Renewed Trio based out of Adairsville, Georgia. Renewed Trio consists of husband and wife, Brian and Dena’ Bagley and long-time member Ann King.  “I have to say, the first time I heard this group, they literally brought me out of my seat,” Crabb remarked. Renewed has been singing together for eight years and keep a busy schedule. “Make It” is being received well in live audiences as Renewed make their way across the Southeastern states.

Also included on the Comp Disc is “Singing In The Pain,” performed by Josh Neyman. This song was written by Jonathan Nash, produced by Gerald Crabb and features harmony vocals of Reggie and Layde Love Smith.  At the young age of 25, Neyman is exceptional! His vocal appeals to the youth, yet he is loved by people of all ages. Josh lives in Cleveland, Tennessee and has been traveling and singing Gospel music since he was 15 years old. Josh is also a songwriter and he owns his own graphic and production company.

A&G Entertainment’s radio comp disc should reach radio stations this week.  For more information, email aandgrecording@yahoo.com.