JEFF TURNER

Karen Peck Gooch recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 44 years in Southern Gospel music. Reflecting on her journey, Karen marvels at the time she’s spent on the road.

“I tell everyone, I’m just a hometown girl whose dream came true,” Karen shares. “I joined Uncle Alf and the Lefevre’s on June 26, 1980. Then, exactly one year later, on June 26, 1981, I joined the Rex Nelon Singers. I have been incredibly blessed to travel with such wonderful people,” she says, fondly referring to Rex Nelon and The Lefevres as “legends” and “heroes.”

Karen maintains that both groups still feel like family to her today.

Currently, Karen tours with her group, Karen Peck and New River. This talented ensemble has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and has won nine GMA Dove Awards. Most recently, in 2021, Karen was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and was voted Favorite Soprano in the Singing News Fan Awards.

You can catch Karen Peck and New River’s latest song, “Be Ready,” playing throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!