|
A Billy Graham Music Homecoming wins Grammy Award February 28, 2002
 At the 44th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles Wednesday February 27th, "A Billy Graham Music Homecoming" was the Grammy winner for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for a solo, duo or group or group vocal performance. This 2-album set features Bill Gaithers Homecoming Friends as well as other notable Gospel artists such as CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith in a tribute to the music and ministry of Billy Graham. Wednesdays award was announced in ceremonies held before the telecast of the award show on CBS.
In a announcement on the Gaithernet.com website, the Gaither Company stated, "Amidst our gratitude at how the Good News is reaching the "ends of the earth" through music, all of us at the Gaither Company extend our thanks and congratulations to all our friends and colleagues, many of whom worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this very special video to reality. May "A Billy Graham Music Homecoming" continue to serve as a powerful testimony to the life and ministry of Dr. Billy Graham, the entire team at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and, above all... to the Savior."
Nominations for the Grammy category were:
1. God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions
Ann-Margret & Jordanaires, The Light Crust Doughboys With James
Blackwood
2. Bill & Gloria Gaither Present a Billy Graham Music Homecoming
3. Two Old Friends
Merle Haggard & Albert E. Brumley, Jr.
4. From The Heart
Oak Ridge Boys
5. Inspirational Journey
Randy Travis
Eva Mae LaFevre Update February 27, 2002
The Gospel Jubilee has learned that Eva Mae's by-pass surgery was postponed Monday until Tuesday, February 26th. According to reports, she came through with 'flying colors.' Our prayers should continue to be with Eva Mae and her family as she recovers.
Eva Mae LeFevre to undergo bypass surgery February 23, 2002
Eva Mae LeFevre, age 85, is scheduled to undergo heart bypass surgery in Atlanta on Monday, February 25th, after suffering a heart attack.
Eva Mae, a part of the famous LeFevres, has often been seen in past years at Gaither Homecoming concerts and on Gaither Homecoming videos. An integral part of Southern Gospel Music since 1921, The LeFevres ran the "LeFevre Sound" recording studios and Sing Records. They had their own radio shows and the famous "Gospel Singing Caravan" TV program.
In 1978, Eva Mae became the first living woman inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, followed by induction in 1988 into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame - the very first inductee from the Gospel Music field.
Please keep Eva Mae the LeFevre family in your prayers.
Eva Mae LeFevre in hospital February 22, 2002
 According to the Singing News Magazine website, Eva Mae LeFevre, affectionately known as the 'Queen of Gospel Music', is undergoing tests in an Atlanta hospital for a mild case of pneumonia. Eva Mae, 84, is one of Southern Gospel Music's true pioneers singing with the legendary LeFevre's. Keep Eva Mae and her family in your prayers.
Cumberland Quartet brings aboard new member February 22, 2002
2/21/2002 - HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.—Daywind recording artist, The Cumberland Quartet recently announced the addition of Ian Owens as their newest member. Ian, who hails from Byram, Mississippi, is set to continue a legacy of three generations of bass singers as he fills this full-time position with the group. Before joining the Cumberland Quartet, Ian performed with noted local groups, the Revelations and New Wine.
“I always felt that God had something in His ministry for me,” stated Ian. “I know God gave me an ability and I’m thankful for that chance. I’m looking forward to being able to witness for Him through music with the Cumberland Quartet and Silver Dollar City.”
The Cumberland Quartet is currently touring nationwide and will return to Silver Dollar City in May 2002, where they will perform six days a week, through December. They are currently in the studio working on a new project, entitled Worth Every Mile, which is due to release in May. Worth Every Mile will be distributed through New Day Christian Distributors and Word Entertainment. For more information on Ian and the Cumberland Quartet, visit www.cumberlandquartet.com or www.daywind.com. ###
Jack Toney announces formation of The Happy Rhythm Quartet February 20, 2002
 (Press Release) - Jack Toney, Doug Young, Wallace Nelms, and Rick Fair are not a new quartet; they have been singing together in excess of eight years. With the passing of Hovie Lister and the retirement of the Statesmen name, many questioned the fate of the final members of that group - none more decisively than these four men themselves. After some discussion, much prayer and a lot of soul-searching, they quickly established certain criteria necessary for any southern gospel quartet: they have the four necessary voices, they have a bus, they have sound equipment, and they want to keep singing as long as people want to listen!
"There is music ringing...it's a happy rhythm in my soul!" Although many names were suggested for this group, one just seemed to fit best. With Mosie Lister's gracious blessing, and Happy Rhythm book author Dave Taylor's suggestion, this group will now be known as the Happy Rhythm Quartet. Jack Toney is no stranger to gospel music, having sung with such groups as the Dixie Echoes, Statesmen, Masters V, Stamps, etc.; however, he is hesitant about his name being out front. Jack believes that every member of this group is equally important. Doug Young of Huntsville, Alabama, will continue to sing the bass, Wallace Nelms of Kingsport, Tennessee, the tenor, and Rick Fair of Cartersville, Georgia, the baritone.
Although the group will follow the same solid southern gospel sound they have favored in the past, they look forward to new venues, new songs, and new fans. They are readily anticipating a new project and are presently working on their schedule for the coming year. For more information or bookings, contact Jack at 256-593-5454 or Wallace at 423-246-5760. They're looking forward to bringing some happy rhythm your way!
New Speer Revival wrapping up debut project February 20, 2002
NASHVILLE, TN(Press Release) - New Speer Revival was recently in Ben Speer Studio adding the finishing touches to their debut project, Carrying On The Tradition. This new project will be available through GTS Records in April, 2002. The first single, I Won't Turn Back, was written by Mosie Lister and originally recorded by the Speer Family in 1956. The New Speer Revival recording will ship to radio March 1st.
New Speer Revival group members are Marc Speer, Faye and Brock's oldest son, Karen Apple, former Speer Family member, Kimber Manning and Rick Moore. For more information regarding New Speer Revival contact the Avid Group at 615-331-0900 or visit the New Speer Revival web site at www.newspeerrevival.com.
President Bush and First Lady Host The Gospel Music Association at White House for Concert February 14, 2002
Press Release) NASHVILLE, Tenn. - February 13, 2002 - PAX-TV will present two airings of "Celebrating America's Musical Heritage - A Salute to Gospel Music" on March 5 and 9. President George W. Bush and Laura Bush will host the concert at the White House in the East Room on February 14. The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is producing the program for the White House.
Recording artists CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith serve as emcees for the concert which features performances from fellow gospel artists Shirley Caesar, Blind Boys of Alabama, Gaither Vocal Band, Jump5, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jaci Velasquez, The Martins, Twila Paris, Yolanda Adams and the D.C. area Ministers of Music.
The White House Salute to Gospel Music pays tribute to the history and diversity of an American form of music that originally began with two distinctive styles - black gospel and Southern gospel - and today embraces virtually every style of music, including praise & worship, contemporary pop, country, rock, R&B and hip hop.
"I am delighted to celebrate the performing arts and bring together artists from across the nation at the people's house," said Mrs. Bush. "Gospel music's roots are distinctly American and its message speaks to the ages uniting people of all backgrounds in one voice of joyful praise."
"The Gospel Music Association is honored to be producing this concert with the White House and are pleased that they invited us to celebrate our music with this special event. Gospel music today appeals to an audience that is truly as diverse as our nation, yet at the same time has a message of faith, hope and love that brings us together with one spirit. This extraordinary concert is a true reflection of the unifying force of gospel music and it's wonderful that television audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy this event on PAX-TV," said Frank Breeden, president of GMA.
PAX-TV will present two airings of "Celebrating America's Musical Heritage - A Salute to Gospel Music." The premier telecast will be a one-hour special on Tuesday, March 5 at 8 p.m. ET and PT (7 p.m. CT) followed by an expanded two-hour presentation on Saturday, March 9, at 10 p.m. ET and PT (9 p.m. CT).
Qwest Digital Media Nashville will provide all the on-site production services and production crew, as well as all post production and audio post for the television special.
The Perrys Are Busy Promoting Their New Release, Changed Forever February 12, 2002
 HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.(Press Release) —Over the holiday season and into the New Year, the Perrys have been busy promoting their latest project, Changed Forever, nationwide. From churches to bookstores to radio stations, the group has performed and signed autographs due to the release of this special project, which they firmly believe, “Is one of their best albums to date.” With high marking reviews and a chart climbing song, “I Rest My Case At The Cross,” Changed Forever is living up to its expectations.
Changed Forever was produced and orchestrated by Southern Gospel Producer of the Year, Wayne Haun and is highlighted with an all-star cast of writers including Jeff Steele, Bev Lowry, Ann Ballard, Cindi Ballard, Belinda Smith and Kyla Rowland.
The Perrys uphold a long tradition of awards and honors. They have performed on such venues as the National Quartet Convention, FamilyNet, the Inspirational Network and the Odyssey Network. The group has also appeared on Gospel Music Television (GMT) and the Gaither Homecoming Video Series and received a 2000 DOVE Award nomination for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (“When He Spoke”).
The Perrys are currently nominated for a 2002 Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) award for Mixed Group of the Year, and three sogospelnews.com awards including Album of the Year, Changed Forever; Mixed Group of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year, Changed Forever. The SGMA awards program will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at the Park Vista Resort in Gatlinburg, TN where the winners will be announced. Visit sogospelnews.com, through the end of February, to access voting for the 2002 sogospelnews.com awards.
Changed Forever is distributed by New Day Christian Distributors and Word Entertainment and available in stores nationwide.
"Heal Our Land" CDs sent to all military chaplains February 7, 2002
(Press Release) - "Heal Our Land" CDs were recently sent out to military Chaplains all across the country. Following the tragedies on September 11, Gerald Crabb, Aaron Wilburn, and Niles Borop combined their talents, with "Heal Our Land" as the end result. The song was recorded by The Crabb Family, The Isaacs, and The Martins, who also presented a benefit concert in Nashville, TN. The concert, which aired live on all Solid Gospel affiliates, and also on GMT, raised more than $200,000 in donations for the relief fund.
"Heal Our Land" CDs were handed out at the White House by a friend of Lily Isaacs' who is currently enrolled in an apprenticeship there. Head Chaplain, Sheila Robertson, heard the song and, via a phone conversation with Lily, asked for distribution of "Heal Our Land" to all chaplains. CDs were shipped to 900 chaplains in the Navy, Air Force, Army, and all branches of the military.
Robertson said that she believed the song would boost the morale of the troops fighting for our country.
Greater Vision performs at CBA Exposition February 7, 2002
 HENDERSONVILLE, TN(Press Release) - Southern Gospel trio, Greater Vision, performed last Thursday, January 31, 02 in Indianapolis, IN at the 02 Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) annual Exposition. The event was hosted by Babbie Mason.
Greater Vision highlighted songs from their brand new January release, Live At First Baptist Atlanta, which included their current single, "Soon We Will See." The set was concluded with a standing ovation from fans and retailers.
Live At First Baptist Atlanta was recorded on September 20, 2001 in Atlanta, GA at the prestigious First Baptist Atlanta. The project features an introduction from Dr. Charles Stanley, the Atlanta Festival Orchestra, Stan Whitmire on the piano, accompanied by a full band and brand-new material penned by Southern Gospel Songwriter of the Year, Rodney Griffin.
Live At First Baptist Atlanta is distributed by Word Entertainment and New Day Christian Distributors.
For more information on Greater Vision, visit www.greatervisionmusic.com or www.daywind.com.
Tony Gore & Majesty and Three Hills Music Group awarded for #1 February 7, 2002
 Nashville, TN. At the #1 party for the song “Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord”, Three Hills Music Group received an award for the production of the concept video and CD video single release to radio which have been credited with helping drive the song into the #1 spot. Shortly after accepting that award, Jimmy Tarbutton returned to the stage to accept a second award as engineer and co-producer of the song. “It’s been my privilege to work with Tony on every one of his recordings since he formed Majesty and it is a thrill and an honor to receive recognition for my participation”, said Tarbutton. Pictured with Tony Gore & Majesty are Dale Duhl and Jimmy Tarbutton of Three Hills Music Group.
Marc Speer announces third generation of Speer Family February 7, 2002
 The Speer Family will begin its third generation of performing southern gospel music with Marc Speer’s announcement of the formation of New Speer Revival. Marc Speer, Rick Moore, Kimber Manning and former Speer Family group member Karen Apple will perform many of the traditional Speer songs in a style reminiscent of the early Speer Family. Marc, son of Faye and the late Brock Speer, comments, “I still have people comment about how much they loved the Speer Family, their songs, and their style of singing. We’ll be bringing back some of the fan favorites but also reintroducing songs that will be new to today’s generation of Southern Gospel fans.” Their debut project and radio single are scheduled for release in the early spring, 2002.
New Speer Revival has signed a management agreement with The Avid Group. For more information you may contact The Avid Group at 615-331-0900.
(Left to right) Marc Speer, John Mathis, Executive Vice-President of The Avid Group, Brian Speer, President of The Avid Group
Nominees for 2002 SGMA Awards announced February 4, 2002
(News Release) PIGEON FORGE, TN--The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is proud to announce the top nominees for excellence in Southern Gospel Music through the 2002 SGMA Awards. The awards banquet will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at the Park Vista Resort in Gatlinburg, TN where the winners will be announced.
"It is exciting to present such a distinguished slate of nominees for 2002," said Heather Campbell, Executive Director of the SGMA. This annual banquet also serves as a fund raiser for the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum located in Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. "It is wonderful how the fans and industry get the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Southern Gospel Music industry side by side," Campbell said.
Tickets for the awards banquet are $150 per plate or $1,250 per table of ten guests. For more information, please call 800-684-SGMA.
ALBUM
Every Time I Feel The Spirit-Dove Brothers Quartet-Homeland
Heroes Of The Faith-Legacy Five-Cathedral Records
Išve Won-McKameys-Horizon Records
Movinš On-Florida Boys-Homeland
Pressed Down, Shaken Together, Running Over-Gold City-Daywind
ARRANGER
Jeff Collins
Wayne Haun
Steve Mauldin
Milton Smith
Michael Sykes
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gold City
Greater Vision
Hoppers
Florida Boys
Kingdom Heirs
CONCERT PROMOTER
Frank Arnold, Tulsa, OK
Bill Bailey, Bradenton, FL
Dick Carper, Lancaster, PA
Floyd Kennedy, Hammond, LA
Victor Seaton, Roseville, MI
DJ
Rodney Baucom, WXRI, Winston-Salem, NC
Elsie Granville, WJSG, Rockingham, NC
Ken Hicks, WUSY, Chattanooga, TN
Wayne Wallace, WDJC, Birmingham, AL
John Wells, WCGW, Versailles, KY
FEMALE VOCALIST
Sheri Easter
Karen Peck Gooch
Kim Hopper
Debra Talley
Lauren Talley
MALE GROUP
Dove Brothers Quartet
Florida Boys
Gold City
Inspirations
Kingdom Heirs
MALE VOCALIST
Gene McDonald
Arthur Rice
John Rulapaugh
Jonathan Wilburn
Gerald Wolfe
MIXED GROUP
Crabb Family
Hayes Family
Hoppers
McKameys
Perrys
MUSICIAN (STAGE)
Roger Bennett
Channing Eleton
Andrew Ishee
Jeff Stice
Sonya Isaacs Surrett
NEW ARTIST
Crossway Quartet
Journeymen Quartet
McRaes
Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet
Rejoice!
PRODUCER
Mike Bowling
Jeff Collins
Tim Greene
Wayne Haun
Kevin McManus
RADIO PROMOTER
Cindy Goff, Southern Communications
Suzanne Graham, Airplay Radio Promotions
Kim Hudgins, Kim Hudgins Promotions
Laura Hudson, Showcase Media
Rhonda Thompson, Daywind Music Group
RADIO STATION
KSKY-Irving, TX
WCGW-Lexington, KY
WJBZ-Knoxville, TN
WWGM-Jackson, TN
WXRI-Winston-Salem, NC
RECORDED MUSIC GRAPHIC DESIGN
Family Tree Lesters-Zion Music Group
Heroes Of The Faith Legacy Five-Cathedral Records
Lauren Talley Lauren Talley-Horizon Records
Living Out The Dream Crabb Family-Family Music Group
Paynes 30th Anniversary Reunion Paynes-Daywind
SOLO ARTIST
Mike Bowling
Michael Combs
Jessica King
Ivan Parker
Kirk Talley
SONG
Didnšt It Rain Dove Brothers
God Wants To Hear You Sing Greater Vision
I Believe Gold City
I Love To Call His Name Kingdom Heirs
Išll Not Turn My Back On Him Now Inspirations
Išve Won McKameys
Is Anything Too Hard For God Whisnants
Stand Still Isaacs
Thank God For The Preacher Mike Bowling
Thatšs No Mountain Crabb Family
SONGWRITER
Mark Bishop
Gerald Crabb
Phil Cross
Rodney Griffin
Kyla Rowland
STUDIO MUSICIAN
Jeff Collins
Tony Creasman
David Johnson
Gary Prim
Jason Webb
STUDIO RECORDING ENGINEER
Van Atkins
Kevin McManus
Danny Riley
Terry Thompson
Kevin Ward
TRIO
Booth Brothers
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Greater Vision
Karen Peck & New River
Talley Trio
VIDEO
Encore Old Friends Quartet - Spring House Music Group
Live From Morristown Greater Vision
Living Out The Dream The Crabb Family - Family Music Group
Stand Still Offstage Isaacs - Horizon Records
Talley Reunion Talley Trio & Kirk Talley - Crossroads
Funeral Arrangements for James Blackwood February 4, 2002
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 6 at:
Roller Family Funeral Home
3651 Austin Peay Hwy
Memphis, TN 38128
(901) 371-9500
Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 7, 1:00 pm at:
First Assembly of God
8650 Walnut Grove Road
Memphis, TN 38120
Memorials may be sent to:
Gospel Music Trust Fund
PO Box 144
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Southern Gospel Music Association
PO Box 6729
Sevierville, TN 37864
Keep the Blackwood Family in your prayers.
James Blackwood passes away Sunday February 4, 2002
 MEMPHIS, TN(Press Release) - Nine time Grammy Award winner, Dr James W Blackwood, Sr died at 11:50 am CST on Sunday, February 3, 2002 following complications related to a stroke. Born August 4, 1919, he was 82. Mr Blackwood was the last member of the world renown Blackwood Brothers Quartet.
James Blackwood has been nominated for the prestigious Grammy Award thirty-one different years. He is once again in the list of Grammy Award nominees (at the age of 82) for his final project recorded with Ann-Margret, the Jordanaires, and The Light Crust Dough Boys. The Gospel Music Association has presented Mr Blackwood with its highest recognition, The Dove Award, seven times for being the top male vocalist in his field. His impressive list of accolades and achievements includes an honorary doctorate from Golden State University (1983), numerous "Lifetime Achievement Awards," the most recent given to him by the Germantown, Tennessee Arts Alliance in 2001. Dr Blackwood was an intense man of faith who was most honored when the Assemblies of God bestowed upon him their highest recognition of achievement, "The General Superintendent's Medal of Honor" in 2001.
The music of James Blackwood and The Blackwood Brothers has entertained and inspired an impressive list of personalities who have shaped Americana, including former American Presidents, and Elvis Presley. The late Presley, who always referred to James respectfully as "Mr Blackwood," was very outspoken regarding his admiration for the Blackwood family. James and his quartet sang at both funeral services for Elvis Presley, and Presley's mother. The current Attorney General of the United States, The Honorable John Ashcroft, is among the enormous list of devoted friend and admirers of James Blackwood.
The Story of Dr James W Blackwood, Sr is a true American tale of triumph over hardship. In 1934, James, along with his brothers Doyle and Roy, and nephew RW Blackwood, Sr founded The Blackwood Brothers. Having once been Mississippi sharecroppers, the four men refused to let such humble beginnings hinder their passion for music. In 1954, The group became the first to ever present gospel music to the masses on network television with an unforgettable appearance on the CBS program, "The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts."
The voice, face, and name, James Blackwood has been seen and heard world wide on every major television and radio network, and most recently on the extremely popular Bill Gaither Homecoming Videos (which have given new life to the genre James Blackwood loved so dearly).
Although Dr James W Blackwood, Sr was the last member of the original Blackwood Brothers, his legacy will live on through the lives and talents of his sons, Jimmy Blackwood of Memphis, TN, and Billy Blackwood of Hendersonville, TN, who each have active and successful careers in the gospel music and ministry fields, and many nephews and nieces, the offspring of the other members of the original group, who will continue to carry the family torch as well.
Dr Blackwood is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mim, his two sons and their wives, six grand-daughters, two great-granddaughters, and three great-grandsons.
He will be best remembered as "Mr Gospel Music," a title given to him by the people who loved him. However, James Blackwood said on countless occasions that the ultimate prize of his existence would come not from people, but from his deep belief in the Bible passage found in the book of Matthew 25:21. He longed to hear his Lord Jesus say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 7, 2002 at First Assembly of God on Walnut Grove Rd, in Memphis, TN at 1:00 pm. Memorial and funeral arrangements have been made by the Roller Family Funeral Home of Memphis, TN.
Back to top
|
