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Kingdom Heirs Eric Bennett father passes away March 26, 2002
The Gospel Jubilee has learned that Eric Bennett's (from The Kingdom Heirs) father, Carl Bennett, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2002. The Funeral was Friday, March 22. Carl Bennett was 79 years old. Please remember Eric and the Bennett Family in your prayers.
Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet release set for April March 26, 2002
 (Press Release) Charles Waller, Executive Director or BRG Music, confirmed that the long awaited project by the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet is scheduled for release April 30, 2002.
Mr. Waller formed the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet for a one time appearance at the 2001 Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, but public demand for a recording by the group sent them into the studio to make this once in a lifetime recording.
The personnel of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet reads like a virtual Who's Who in Gospel Music:
The leader and pianist for the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet is none other than the late, great Hovie Lister. These songs were recorded just a few days before Mr.Lister's death. This recording documents the first time in nearly twenty years that Mr.Lister's piano techniques have been heard in the studio. Not since the early days of the Masters V has Mr.Lister provided the piano accompaniment for his group. Although Mr.Lister was quite weak during the recording sessions, you would never know it as he plays, hums, pats his foot, and encourages the quartet through many gospel music and Statesmen Quartet classics.
Jack Toney, formerly with groups such as the Statesmen Qt., Masters V, Stamps Qt., Prophets Qt. and Dixie Echoes is the lead singer for the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet. He is noted for being one of the top lead singers in the history of gospel music. His performance on this recording is no exception. Mr.Toney sings each song with the fervor and dignity his fans have come to expect from him.
Roy Pauley, noted columnist for the Singing News, is the bass singer. Although Mr.Pauley is most noted as a writer and evangelist, he has sung with many groups such as the Statesmen Qt., Weatherfords, and the Sons of Song. His smooth bass voice and his impeccable sense of rhythm lays a strong foundation for the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet.
Baritone singer Buddy Burton is an underrated legend in gospel music. Not only has he sung with some of the finest groups in gospel music including the Statesmen Qt., Smitty Gatlin Trio, and Singing Americans, but his vocal arrangements and piano skills are extraordinary. Mr. Burton's baritone voice and other musical talents adds tremendous depth to the harmony of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet.
The "new kid on the block" in the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet is tenor singer John Rulapaugh. John currently sings tenor for the Dove Brothers. Although, relatively speaking, he is a newcomer to gospel music, his style and technique is reminiscent of the legendary Statesmen Quartet tenor, Rosie Rozell. His style doesn't copy Mr.Rozell. Rather, Mr.Rulapaugh embraces many of the techniques of this legendary tenor singer. He tops off the sound of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet in extraordinary fashion.
Songs such as "In the Sweet Forever", "I'll Meet You by the River", and "Bye and Bye When the Morning Comes" show the talents and abilities of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet. They also serve as a testimony to the late leader of the group, Hovie Lister.
Thanks to Charlie Waller and Bobby Ross of BRG Music for preserving this chapter in the history of gospel music. Mr. Waller says, "No effort or expense was spared in the preparation of this project. Not only is the singing and instrumentation first rate, but the packaging will also be classic. In addition to the music, I have gone into my archives to prepare a historical booklet to accompany the project. I guarantee that this will be one of the finest projects ever released in gospel music!" Be on the lookout for it.
Tim Greene gets good news from doctors March 26, 2002
Tim Greene, of The Greenes, received a good report from his doctors after more surgery, Tuesday, March 19. It appears that all the mold and infections is gone from his body and the doctors feel that one more surgery will be his last. Donny Henderson has been filling in for Tim while he has been off the road.
Claude Hopper fine after surgery March 26, 2002
 Claude Hopper of The Hoppers recently underwent Carotid Artery Surgery March 19 to remove some blockage in one of the main arteries in his neck. The procedure lasted approximately 2 hours and everything went well. Claude was released and is at home doing well.
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Curtis Hyler & Jubilation Trio forms March 26, 2002
 (Press Release) - A new trio has been formed going by the name Curtis Hyler & Jubilation. The Greenville, NC based trio includes Curtis Hyler, lead; Ray Rawls, tenor; and Brad Byrd, baritone. Curtis states, "We have just completed our debut project, and are looking forward to what God has in store for our ministry in the coming year.
MorningStar Records welcomes HisSong March 15, 2002
 The legendary MorningStar Records welcomes one of gospel music's most exciting new artists in years, HisSong. Their debut album and single has been scheduled for an April 5th release date.
Pictured left to right - Gary Winningham, Dennis Humphries and Adam Eldrod of HisSong. Standing is Eddie Crook and Dave Wilcox - MorningStar Records
Gerald Crabb named as Songwriter of Year by GMA March 15, 2002
BEAVER DAM, KY - GMA named Gerald Crabb "Southern Gospel Songwriter Of The Year" once again. The award is based on radio success according to charting points. This is the fifth consecutive year that Gerald has received this honor.
Since last year's award, Gerald has added several number one songs to his credit including the Crabb Family's "That's No Mountain," and "The Reason That I'm Standing," as well as Mike Bowling's "Thank God For The Preacher." Gerald also has two Dove Award nominations this year. "Thank God For The Preacher" is nominated for Country Gospel Recorded Song Of The Year and "Just A Prayer Away," recorded by Wade Spencer, is nominated for Bluegrass Recorded Song Of The Year.
Gerald will appear on this year's Songwriter's Showcase on Monday of GMA week, held April 20-25 in Nashville, TN.
The Crabb Family just released, "A Crabb Collection," featuring songs from the pen of Gerald Crabb. The collection includes brand new recordings of Crabb Family hits such as "Please Forgive Me," "Through The Fire," "The Lamb, The Lion, and The King," "Trail Of Tears," and the list goes on. The Crabb Family also recorded several Gerald Crabb hits previously recorded by other artists. The 20 song collection features one brand new song, the Crabb Family's latest single, "Don't You Wanna Go?" The collection is available in CD, Cassette, and Songbook. For more information call (270) 274-9900 or log onto www.thecrabbfamily.com
Eva Mae LeFevre continues to improve March 15, 2002
Eva Mae LeFevre continues to recuperate nicely following bypass surgery. Doctors are impressed with her improvement and fell that she's well on her way to a strong recovery.
Brian Free and Assurance issue new project March 15, 2002
 HENDERSONVILLE, TN(Press Release) - Superb four-part harmonies surround some of the most important songs of this year on Brian Free & Assurance's anticipated March 5th release, So Close To Home. This brand new album features the talents of seven-time Tenor of the Year, Brian Free; former HeavenBound members, Craig Singletary and Bill Shivers, and 2001 Horizon Individual nominee, Bill Lawrence. (pictured in photo L-R) Bill Shivers; Craig Singletary; Garry Jones; Vice-President/ A&R Director for Daywind Music Group, Norman Holland; Brian Free and Bill Lawrence.
Garry Jones, noted for his time with Gold City, combines the talented voices of Brian, Bill, Craig and Bill with heartfelt lyrics to form a production that listeners are certain to enjoy and play over and over again.
Brian Free & Assurance, which has quickly become a Gospel music household name, has been honored with successes including top charting singles, Video of the Year and Album of the Year Awards, and numerous nominations such as Southern Gospel Song of the Year at the 1998 DOVE Awards and Song of the Year at the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) Awards. The group recorded such hits as the number one single "For God So Loved" and top charting hits "Jesus Came Out Alive," "He Thought of Me," "You've Got His Word," "Stand Up for What I Stand For" and others. The group continues to make numerous national TV appearances including TNN's, A Prime Time Country and the NBC Today Show.
The group has been featured on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series, FamilyNet, the Odyssey Network, the INSP Network, Gospel Music's Seminar in the Rockies and the National Quartet Convention.
So Close To Home, which released March 5, 2002, is distributed through Word Entertainment and New Day Christian Distributors.
For more information on Brian Free & Assurance, visitwww.brianfreeandassurance.com or www.daywind.com
Michael Combs recovering after surgery March 15, 2002
Michael Combs has received positive test results after undergoing three days of intensive treatments for transplanted liver rejection. Test results show that his condition has improved. He will be coming home soon, and is required to be monitored three times weekly. As most Southern Gospel fans know Michael received a liver transplant several years ago and has already gone through some rejection problems over the years. Please continue to remember Michael and his family in your prayers.
Tony Gore ok after emergency room visit March 15, 2002
(Press Release) - Tony Gore became ill late Thursday evening, March 7, 2002, in Lake City, FL. He was taken to the emergency room at a nearby hospital where he was x-rayed and treated for kidney stones. He was released from the hospital late during the night and is back traveling with the guys at this time. As of Friday afternoon, March 8, 2002, Tony was still feeling drained and in pain, but determined to try to make the remainder of the week's dates. Please remember Tony in your prayers
New Speer Revival enter radio promotions agreement March 5, 2002
NASHVILLE, TN(Press Release) - DJ Man Promotions and the New Speer Revival have entered into a Radio Promotions Agreement. DJ Man, Phillip Emery comments, "What a thrill it is for me to have the opportunity to work with a family tradition that spans over 75 years. The Speer name is one of the most recognized names in gospel music. Marc Speer becomes the third generation to carry on the Speer Family legacy."
The Avid Group, management for New Speer Revival has shipped out a special CD single to select radio stations. The new single, "I Won't Turn Back", will also be released in early April on the DJ Man Hit Singles, Volume 2 compilation. DJ Man states, "The new release will include some station liners and an open-ended radio interview from Marc Speer."
For radio information, contact Phillip Emery at 615-302-3568 or by e-mail at phillip@djmanpromotions.com. For booking and product information contact, The Avid Group at 615-331-0900.
Mended Wings adds Steve Lee, new piano player March 5, 2002
GRAHAM, NC(Press Release) - Mended Wings is pleased to report the addition of Steve Lee, from Burlington, NC to our ministry. This addition will enhance the performance and diversity of the Mended Wings ministry. Steve will play the piano, help in sound and add his awesome vocals to some other arrangements from time to time. His knowledge of the industry will further the cause of Mended Wings in a very positive way.
Steve started singing at the age of 15 in 1966. His piano playing and vocal abilities landed him in several groups growing up and eventually allowed him to fill the baritone slot with the Cathedrals Quartet in 1979... After his stint with them, Steve resumed his music ministries in local churches in the Burlington, NC area.
Steve still has a call on his life, after 36 years, to be involved in a southern gospel ministry. Steve's need and call and Mended Wings need meshed together and they praise the Lord for allowing their paths to cross at this time.
Mended Wings invites all of their friends and Steve's friends to come to a concert soon and welcome Steve back to where his heart has always been... a quartet ministry.
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