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Kingdom Heirs has personnel changes September 25, 2002
In a letter to Singing News Magazine, Steve French of the Kingdom Heirs writes:
I know news travels fast whether it be bad or good. In man's eyes, what looks like bad news or sad news is not always the case. Twenty-two years ago God gave my brother Kreis and me a wonderful opportunity to be involved in Southern Gospel Music. He also gave us a wonderful avenue to share this music with a lot of people. Next, he sent to us some incredible people with tons of talent and heart.
On Wednesday, September the 18th, three of those young men came to Kreis and me and resigned their positions with our group. Jeff Stice, Eric Bennett and David Sutton. Tenor, Bass Singer and piano player. It is one thing to have one to leave but three at one time was overwhelming. For a couple of days we went through all the emotions. Shock, disbelief and yes, anger. I have learned over the years that when there are changes, people want to assume that there are problems or that something must be wrong. I have also been told that we are supposed to stay angry and upset at those leaving. Well, that is not the case here at all. The Kingdom Heirs would not be where we are today if it was not for those three young men and others who have been apart of our lives. I truly believe that God is launching a new group into the world to share his message. These guys have my total blessing and support. I will do everything I can to help them. I am asking you to support them and pray for them. They are still some of my best friends. I am proud of these guys and I know it was hard for them to do and a giant leap of faith. Whatever they do it will always be a reflection of The Kingdom Heirs.
I know this is not a typical press release. Actually its not a press release at all. It's a praise report. This is not a "right thing to say" or just a statement that everyone uses to blame God. This is truly God working. I am just sharing my heart with all of you and cheating the devil out of the OLE rumor mill.
I know there will be folks who are sadden and disappointed. Don't be. We have had several quartets drop from our ranks over the past several years and now God is starting to replace them with talented God fearing, bible believing young men.
I know God has shown us favor and to take from Rev. TD Jakes, "Favor Ain't Fair." I also learned from a close friend that we can never give anyone more GRACE, then God gave us.
As for Arthur, Dennis, Kreis and me, thank you for all the support and prayers you have shown us through the years. We are so excited about the future. God already has three guys prepared and ready and our future never looked brighter. God is going to take us to another level. He always has. We have always strive to present Southern Gospel Music in its highest form and that will never change. We ask that you will pray for us and rejoice with us in what God is doing.
Steve French The Kingdom Heirs
Steve
Signature Sound Quartet runs into a 'snag' September 25, 2002
Ernie Haase has made the announcement that bass singer Tim Duncan with the recently formed Signature Sound Quartet has rethought his commitment to the group. Ernie said that Tim and his wife believe moving their young family to a new city with little or no friends would not be in their best interest. The Signature Sound has already booked concerts, recording sessions, photo sessions.
Sonsters Quartet adds new bass September 25, 2002
(Press Release) September 17, 2002- The Songsters Quartet from Akron, Ohio has announced the addition of Scott Davis from Geneva, Ohio to fill the Bass part for the group. The Songsters Quartet a 42 year old Southern Gospel Group consist of Jerry Waldrop- Lead and Pianist , Sharon Waldrop- Alto, Buddy Craigo- Baritone and Scott Davis – Bass.
The group is in the process of recording a new project that should be available shortly.
The Songsters appeal to all age groups featuring many of the songs from groups like The Statesman, The Cathedrals and several groups that sing the four part harmony style of music. The Songsters travel throughout the United States singing in Churches, Gospel Sings, Fairs, Camp Meetings, Revivals and Special Events. If you would like to schedule the Songsters in your area you can contact Jerry Waldrop at 330-628-1844 or email at songsterqt@aol.com .
Gaither CDs debut in top 40 of Billboards album chart September 24, 2002
Over the past four decades, gospel music innovator Bill Gaither has experienced many significant benchmarks, but this week, for the first time in his esteemed career, he has cracked the Top 40 of Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. Let Freedom Ring (#35) and God Bless America (#44) were the highest-debuting CDs ever for a Gaither project on the Top 200 chart. Taped live at New York's famed Carnegie Hall, the CDs feature dozens of familiar Gaither Homecoming artists. Additionally, the same two CD titles debuted in the top spots on the Contemporary Christian charts, with Let Freedom Ring at #1 followed by God Bless America at #2. The two CDs combined for sales in excess of 40,000 units, which are impressive numbers for Christian CDs, according to the trade publication.
Rounding out a stellar first week, the music videos of the same titles debuted at #1 and #2 on the Top Music Video chart, selling in excess of 21,000 and 20,000 respectively. The third best-selling video for the week was last week's chart-topper, Janet Jackson's Live in Hawaii which sold more than 5,000 units.
"Our Homecoming at Carnegie Hall was a unique and blessed occasion to honor the author of peace and to recognize those individuals who have risked everything," remarked Gaither, who has amassed numerous Grammy and Dove awards in his illustrious career. "Being in New York taping these concerts just months after the Trade Center disaster was, in itself, a deeply moving experience. But to ignite this kind of response among music buyers is truly gratifying."
The concerts were also shown as one-hour specials on PAX-TV, TBN, BET and several other television networks. Gaither will travel with a number of his Homecoming artists to Australia in November for a taping at the renowned Sydney Opera House.
Grand Ole Gospel Reunion to continue September 24, 2002
GREENVEVILLE, SC(Press Release) - At a press conference today "Tha'Man" Charlie Waller announced there would be another Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. Waller said, "After fifteen years one would think everyone should have attended at least one of the reunions. Not so. I have received mail, email, phone calls and personal visits from people all over America asking me to please continue with the program. I have been asked and encouraged by industry leaders as well as legends to continue if at all possible."
Mosie Lister said, "the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion is unique, it's unlike anything I have ever attended. You see ole friends; you meet new ones and its like home-folks. Maybe the best kind of folks in the world - people who care about each other people who love God, and their neighbors as themselves."
Waller concluded, "With a statement like that how can I not continue"? The Grand Ole Gospel Reunion has been enjoyed by thousands and has been credited by the late Glen Payne and James Blackwood as giving many of the gospel music pioneers a rejuvenated career. The first Grand Ole Gospel Reunion was held in 1988 and was the first official reunion in gospel music.
Dates for the 2003 Grand Ole Gospel Reunion are August 7-9 In Greenville, South Carolina. For additional information call 864-288-5251. Or check our web site www.grandolegospelreunion.com .
Blackwood Gospel Quartet announces new tenor September 24, 2002
(Press Release) - Mark Blackwood of the Blackwood Gospel Quartet is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Young. Andrew will sing tenor for the Quartet. He is 20 years old and is from Knoxville, TN. Andrew made this debut at the James Blackwood Memorial Sing in Memphis on September 13th. Mark Blackwood says "After searching for months, we were so excited to find Andrew. He is just the guy we have been looking for. He has an incredible voice and has a bright future. He falls in line with many of the great Blackwood Brothers tenors of the past, such as Bill Shaw." For information on the Blackwood Gospel Quartet, we can visit their web site at www.blackwoodgospel.com .
Ernie Haase announces new quartet September 18, 2002
At the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY Ernie Haase announced the formation of a brand new quartet to be named The Signature Sound Quartet. Making up the new group will be Garry Jones on the piano, Tim Duncan (formerly with Poet Voices) will cover bass, Shane Dunlap (from N'Harmony) is lead, Doug Anderson (of Lighthouse) as baritone and Ernie Haase will sing tenor. Ernie of course has sung with the Cathedrals, the Old Friends Quartet and as a solo artist; just a few of his long successful career. The Signature Sound hopes to get out on the road the first of the year.
Greater Vision big winners in Singing News Fan Awards September 13, 2002
The 2002 Singing News Fan Awards were announced Thursday night, September 12th at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY and Greater Vision was the nights big winners with seven big awards plus the Songwriter of the Year award went to Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision. Gerald Wolfe with the trio won two awards for male singer and for lead singer. Other multiple award winners were The Inspirations, The Hoppers and The McKameys. The big surprise award of the night went to The Carolina Boys Quartet who won the Horizon Award. The CBQ was formerly known as The Kingsmen until the name was retired last year; the groups line up of talent has remained the same under the new name. Below is a list of all of last nights winners in the 2002 Singing News Fan Awards.
Male Singer: Gerald Wolfe - Greater Vision
Female Singer: Peg McKamey Bean - McKameys
Young Artist: Jason Waldroup - Greater Vision
Horizon Individual: Scott Inman - Poet Voices
Horizon Group: Carolina Boys
Tenor: Brian Free - Brian Free & Assurance
Lead: Gerald Wolfe - Greater Vision
Baritone: Rodney Griffin - Greater Vision
Bass: Mike Holcomb - Inspirations
Alto: Sheri Easter - Jeff & Sheri Easter
Soprano: Kim Hopper - Hoppers
Soloist: Ivan Parker
Trio: Greater Vision
Mixed Quartet: Hoppers
Traditional Male Quartet: Dove Brothers Quartet
Pianist: Roger Bennett - Legacy Five
Musician: Roger Fortner - McKameys
Band: Kingdom Heirs Band
Video: Live At First Baptist Atlanta - Greater Vision
Album: Live At First Baptist Atlanta - Greater Vision
Songwriter: Rodney Griffin
Song: I'll Not Turn My Back On Him Now - Inspirations
Marvin Norcross Award: Martin Cook - Inspirations
Super Fan: Paul & Ceil Buchanan
Syndicated Radio Program: Gospel Greats
Small Market DJ: Jon Wishon - WWWC, Wilkesboro, NC
Medium Market DJ: Beth Jarrells - WSTS, Fairmont, NC
Large Market DJ: Rodney Baucom - WXRI, Winston Salem, NC
National Quartet Convention begins in Louisville, KY September 9, 2002
The 45th National Quartet Convention began today and will run through Saturday September 14th. Thousands of people are in Louisville, KY for six days for the greatest gathering of Southern Gospel Music fans and industry in the world. With nightly concerts, Bible studies, seminars, artist showcases and exhibits the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center will be filled each day with the greatest music on in the world. Also, the highlight of the week comes Thursday night for the annual Singing News Fan Awards. NQC is without a doubt, the most anticipated event in Southern Gospel Music of the year.
For more information, visit the National Quartet Convention web site.
Ricky Atkinson & Compassion release video September 9, 2002
Lamp Music Group of Whitesburg, GA is pleased to announce the release of Ricky Atkinson & Compassion's Debut Music Video Project.
The Project entitled, "60 Minutes Live" was recorded this past summer on location at Second Avenue Baptist in Columbus, GA. Anyone who has ever experienced one of Compassion's live services will not be disappointed with this exciting hour long video project featuring their breakthrough top 20 songs, "Jesus Can" and "My Life"
Executive Producer for Lamp Music Group, Mike Pillow was recently quoted about this project, "Ricky Atkinson is one of Southern Gospel's greatest songwriting treasures. . . when you consider the awesome collection of songs that he's written you know you'll enjoy every last minute of this project."
The project scheduled to debut at NQC will also be available from Lamp Music Distribution and New Day Christian Distributors. It is currently available on Stereo VHS & Compact Disc audio companion, but tentative plans include a dvd release this fall.
for more information: www.lampmusic.com .
Mission House Group adds first quartet to label September 9, 2002
NASHVILLE, TN(Press Release) - Mission House Music Group has added New Destiny Quartet to their artist roster making them the first quartet on the label. Based in Warren, Michigan, group members Jeff Davidson (tenor), Karl Miller (lead), Doug Ashton (baritone) and Tom Durham (bass) are no strangers to the Southern Gospel industry. The quartet has previously worked with names such as Gold City, Kirk Talley, The Kingsmen, The Hoppers, The James Blackwood Quartet, The Talley Trio, The Dove Brothers Quartet, the Martins, and many more. Their debut project for the label is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2002 with a radio release to immediatley follow.
Mission House President, Brian Speer comments, "What would a Southern Gospel label be without a great quartet? New Destiny presents a great opportunity for Mission House to offer a full range of Southern Gospel music. Their producer George Hairr can't wait to get them in the studio and we can't wait for you to hear them!"
For more information regarding New Destiny Quartet , visit their website at www.newdestinyquartet.com. For information regarding Mission House, visit them at www.missionhousemusicgroup.com .
Eddie Crook adds industry veterans to media relations September 9, 2002
(Press Release) - Eddie Crook has announced the addition of two industry veterans to their media relations division of The Eddie Crook Company effective immediately! These personalities will continue to strengthen the company and its relations with radio stations as well as other media outlets across the nation.
Kenny Bishop, an original member of The Bishops, comes full circle by joining the ECC. Many will remember that The Bishops were discovered and developed as artists by the company almost twenty years ago. Kennys vast knowledge of media and public relations made him a natural for this position.
Cyndi Harp started with the ECC in 1986 and has worked with bookstores and distributors for many years. Cyndi has a strong reputation of customer service with her clients that will serve her new friends in the media well.
Mr. Crook issued this statement: We are always striving to improve our team. Cyndi and Kenny will be great assets not only to our artists but also to our valued friends in the media outlets! We are expecting a continued pattern of growth in all areas of the media because of these additions. However, we are not through looking for additional options for this division.
Dave Wilcox stated I look forward to working with Kenny Bishop and Cyndi Harp! These are two of my best friends in the industry and it will be a joy to watch them grow and mature in these responsibilities. I know that the media will enjoy working with Kenny and Cyndi! I am excited about what lies ahead for our artists and our company.
You may contact the Eddie Crook Company by mail at P.O. Box 989 Goodlettsville, TN 37070-0989. You may communicate with them at 615.851.1360 or by fax at 615.851.7755. To visit them via the web, log onto www.eddiecrookco.com
Chat Live with Crabb Family during NQC September 5, 2002
(Press Release) - Chat Live with various members of the Crabb Family as well assome of todays top southern gospel artists who will be dropping by and chatting several times every evening.
This chat is exclusive to Crabb County Citizens ONLY! Every evening 6 PM ET to Midnight, 9/9-9/14 the Crabb Family will be hosting a live chat found exclusively on Crabb County. Several times every evening various members of the Crabb Family as well as today's top southern gospel artists will be dropping and chatting with the fans. They'll keep you up to date on everything that's going on, as it happens, at NQC.
To be included in the chats log onto thecrabbfamily.com and sign up for Crabb County!
Lamp Music signs agreement with The Relations Qt September 5, 2002
Press Release) - Lamp Music Group of Whitesburg, GA is pleased to announce their agreement with The Relations Quartet of Magnolia, TX.
One of the premier full time male quartets from Texas, TRQ has enjoyed performing their own uniqe male quartet style at over 200 concert and church events a year for the past several years.
During their 5 year tenure with Lamp Music, TRQ has quickly risen to the Gospel Heritage Label because of tremendous product sales and excellent radio response.
"Our Gospel Heritage Label," says Lamp Music President, Mike Pillow, "is currently the strongest it's ever been.Gospel Heritage is currently made up of the followingartists: The Relations Quartet, Ricky Atkinson & Compassion, Amy Roth, The Todd Nelon Quartet, Harlan Burton, The Singing Echoes and others. These are the kind of artists that are getting a good bit of attention right now!"
Mike continues, "Rod Treme and his quartet, The Relations are an excellent example of what Gospel Music Should be, tight solid harmonies and a heart for God!"
The group manager, Rod, also said recently of the signing, "We've been approached by many labels over the years, but since we've become part of the Lamp Music Family we've always felt like we're at home!"
The Relations are currently working on a new project which is due out in January 2003. Also don't miss TNQ at NQC in a few weeks where they will appear on Monday afternoon at KFEC Artist Spotlight. They also will be appearing at the Lamp Music Industry Reception on thursday afternoon at 1pm at the KFEC West Hall room #1.
For more information: (800) 905-lamp or
www.lampmusic.com.
Southern Voices Quartet announce new tenor and baritone September 5, 2002
CARTERSVILLE, GA(Press Release) - The Southern Voices Quartet has announced the addition of 20-year-old Jeremy Peace as their new tenor and his brother 16-year-old Joey Peace singing baritone. Jeremy comes to the group from Rome, Georgia and Joey comes to the group from Calhoun, GA. Jeremy and Joey both formerly sang with the well-known local group The Cedar Valley Boys. "Jeremy is one of the best tenor singers I've ever heard in my lifetime" states Bass Singer and Group Owner, Harold McVey, "and don't let Joey's age fool you. He has a powerful voice that you only hear when you're listening to the best of them. We're really excited about the addition of these two young men. They both have great voices, but most importantly they both know and love the man they're singing about".
Southern Voices is a powerful and exciting male quartet that will blow you out of your seat. They're preparing to enter the studio to record their latest project. The release date and title of their forthcoming project will be announced at a later date. Be looking for Southern Voices in your hometown and make sure to let Jeremy and Joey know what you thought.
To book Southern Voices in your area contact Harold McVey at (770)547-9792 or Matt Gregory at (706)894-1512 or matt_gregory@alltel.net
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