Rascal Flatts and a Brush with Greatness

On the weekend I was privileged to have tickets to hear Rascal Flatts, in person, live and alive and rockin' at the colliseum about 10 minutes from my house. Awesome concert - I love their music and they really know how to entertain. The funny thing is that I've seen very few of their videos and really don't know what they look like except for the lead singer.

My friend and I were walking along the sidewalk toward the side doors of the venue when two guys crossed the sidewalk ahead of us. The one was kind of looking self conscious and had a bit of a smile on his face. He looked like he knew he was being looked at. Others around us started whispering. We smiled at the men and kept going into the building. Then it hit us. Those men were walking away from a Rascal bus. They were Rascals. In fact, the goodlooking blonde with the smile was Joe Don Rooney, one of the three front men. We were so close to a brush with greatness and we didn't know it until it was too late!

Diego Valasquez painted a picture called "Kitchen Maid with the Supper at Emmaus". This picture has intrigued me since I first saw it. The two men who walked and talked with Jesus for hours and then ate with Him, didn't know it was their Lord until He was gone. The picture shows the men in the background eating with Jesus. They had no clue. But the maid, in the foreground, realizes who they are talking to and is stunned. It's an awesome picture.

Coming close to a Rascal Flatt and not knowing it won't have a great effect on my life. But I hope that when Jesus draws near me, I am always aware that I am in the presence of my Lord. I wouldn't want to miss that. May I always be sensitive to His presence and know that He is near.

Write to me at sgmradio.lorrainewalker@gmail.com

Ethan Brooks Joins Naomi and the Segos

Ethan Brooks Joins Naomi and the Segos
Naomi and the Segos are excited to announce the addition of Ethan Brooks as the new baritone vocalist. Ethan's first date with Naomi and the Segos will be January 30, 2010 at Glory Road Baptist Church in Rossville, Ga.Bryant Thigpen states, "If there's anything that's inevitable in gospel music, it's personnel changes. We are sad that Scott is leaving, but we wish him well with his new endeavors. I feel like we have found the perfect replacement. Ethan and I traveled together with LifeSong and became like brothers. I know that people all across the country are going to love his personality and singing.""It's been my lifelong dream to sing gospel music professionally," stated Ethan. "I never imagined my first professional job would be with a living legend. I am honored and looking forward to stepping on stage with Naomi and the Segos and meeting gospel music fans everywhere."Although Ethan is new to the Segos, he is no stranger to gospel music. Ethan previously sang with his family before beginning his journey in gospel music with LifeSong. Ethan is 18 years old and resides in Thomasville, Ga."We are very excited to have Ethan as a part of the Segos," Naomi stated. "Ethan is an exciting young man who has a bright future in gospel music."Naomi and the Segos would like to thank Scott Spangler for his tireless efforts the past two years and are excited for him and his future.Naomi and the Segos are booked exclusively by the Beckie Simmons Agency. Visit the official website of Naomi and the Segos at http://www.livinglegendnaomisego.com/

Gospel Legend Charles Key Passes Away

Charles Key age, 83, born April 15, 1926 passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2010. Charles was an original member of the Harmoneers Quartet, joining the gospel group in 1944 after his high school graduation and remained as their pianist for many years. As a member of the Harmoneers, Mr. Key was on contract with RCA Victor records using his dignity with keyboard skills as a superb accompanist. After his retirement from professional gospel music, Charles continued to share his musical talent in the Atlanta, GA area appearing for 17 years on the weekly television program "Warren Roberts Presents", as the pianist for The Heralds Quartet, and accompanist at many local congregations. Charles Key was dedicated to his Sunday school class, the Business Men's Bible Class of Briarlake Baptist Church where he was the pianist for the class for over 20 years. Charles was the recipient of many awards in the music industry: Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Living Legend Award (1995), Piano Roll of Honor (1998), Inductee to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (2002), Inductee to the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame (2004), and Inductee into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (2006). Charles is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Geneva (Gene) Key, brother, John Key of Waco, TX, sister, Fannie Mayfield of Etowah, TN, and devoted family friend, Charles Waller. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 1, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Briarlake Baptist Church, with Dr. O.E. "Buddy" Burton officiating. Interment will be at Cave Creek Cemetery in Roane County, TN on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Southern Gospel Music Association (http://www.sgma.org).Charles Key didn't showboat when he played the piano. "His job", he said, "was to accompany the singers. To let them shine."
Courtesy: Sogospelnews.com

Dixie Echoes Name New Bass Singer

In a special press release today.. Stewart Varnado announced that The Dixie Echoes have hired a new bass vocalist. Nineteen year old Trent Adams, from Ashland, Alabama.. will make his first DE concert appearance on February 11th in Baton Rouge, LA. Varnado says: "We believe that Trent is one of the best young bass singers and we are excited that he has accepted the offer to become part of the Dixie Echoes. Trent is an exceptional young bass singer, and we feel that our fans will love his smooth bass voice and friendly personality."Since the announcement of the departure of Pat Barker.. Varnado says the group has been overwhelmed with the response they have received. Varnado adds: "While we auditioned several fantastic bass singers for the position, we truly feel the addition of Trent to the Dixie Echoes is the right choice. We would like to thank everyone for their interest." Pat Barker left the Dixie Echoes to join the newly formed Mark Trammell Quartet.

Courtesy: SGReporterNEWS

Jason Crabb Wins Grammy

Jason Crabb won the award for Best Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Sunday nght. Sources say Jason attended the event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Crabb's album: "Jason Crabb" (Spring Hill Music) was selected from a category including nominated titles from Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Tracy Lawrence. Barry Scott & Second Wind and Triumphant Quartet.

Courtesy: SGReporterNEWS