Author: Texas Gospel

Greater Vision’s Jon Epley is now a Kentucky Colonel!

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Greater Vision’s Jon Epley, who was born and raised in Kentucky, was recently awarded a high honor from the Commonwealth. He said it was something he didn’t know was coming.

“A friend of mine had submitted my name to be a Kentucky Colonel. And I received the certificate the other day, and that was a really neat honor,” explained Epley.

Kentucky Colonels are appointed by the Governor of Kentucky, though the first Kentucky Colonel commission was granted to John Bowman by Governor Patrick Henry, Jr. of the Colony of Virginia. He was appointed to oversee creation of a government in Kentucky County on December 21, 1776 according to The Kentucky Colonelcy website.

The designation of Kentucky Colonel is a bit of a family tradition (that’s our description) for the Epley family. Jon’s grandfather was also an honorary Kentucky Colonel.

Listen for the latest song with Colonel Epley and the rest of Greater Vision “You Are My King” on Texas Gospel Canada.

11th Hour releases “Letters To Heaven”music video

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 21, 2022) — Southern Gospel trio 11th Hour has released a music video for “Letters To Heaven,” the current single from their latest album, Anthem Of The Ages. 

The moving, emotional song tells of connecting with those we’ve lost.

“‘Letters to Heaven’ came from the pen of three people (me, my husband, Garrett, and our buddy, Nathan Woodard) that were reminiscing about loved ones that have passed on,” says Amber Eppinette Saunders.

“Garrett and I had our grandparents in mind at the time of writing the song but had no idea we’d end up losing a baby before recording it. It now has a brand new meaning to it. Just remember, the very one that your loved ones are in the presence of is the very one that’s holding you right now! We have hope, and we will see them again!”


Listen for Letters to Heaven on Texas Gospel Canada!

Big announcement from The Kingdom Heirs!

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

The Kingdom Heirs have some big news today!

The group’s tenor, Jacob Ellison got engaged over the weekend to girlfriend, Laynie.

No word yet on where or when, but I’m sure the new bride-to-be is very busy these days making arrangements.

We wish Jacob and Laynie the Best!

Listen for the group’s latest song “What You Could Never Get Over” throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

Longtime Texas Gospel Canada Programmer Alan Cook dies after battling cancer

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

David Ingram & Info from Gospel Harmonies

Texas Gospel Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of long-time Gospel Music programmer Alan Cook. Alan’s weekly program Gospel Harmonies has been a part of our lineup since our first year of broadcasting.

Gospel Harmonies released this statement to radio affiliates this week:

Alan Bruce Cook passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on May 11, 2022, surrounded by his family. Gospel Harmonies will continue until the end of the year with Reprise and special Memorial Episodes featuring Favorites, Stories from Alan’ personal experiences, and Celebration of the ministry and love he has shared with so Many.

Aalan was born in Detroit MI in 1941, the firstborn son of Fred and Julia Marguerite Cook. They settled in Grand Haven when he was 2. He attended local schools, where his life-long love of acting and sports began, graduating in 1959.

In 1966, while working his way thru Michigan State University, Alan married Joan Phyllis Harp at South Church of the Nazarene in Lansing MI, where he had become an active member and Sunday School teacher.
Alan completed his bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting in 1967 and became a sportscaster for WILX-TV in Jackson MI. He volunteered at FAMILY LIFE RADIO while it still operated out of founder Warren Bolthouse’s basement. When FLR opened its first station, WUNN in Mason, Mi, in 1969, Alan was the first paid employee.

Alan and Joan’s first child, Autumn Anne, was born in 1972. He created GOSPEL HARMONIES, featuring Southern Gospel music, in 1973. In 1978, when KFLR opened, the Cooks moved to Phoenix, and Alan became the morning announcer and news director. Orangewood Nazarene welcomed them as family and they developed many life-long family friends. Scott Alan was born in 1980. In 1982, the family followed God’s leading to welcome 14-year-old Cyndi into their home, and finalized her adoption in 1984.

Alan was active in many community events not only for FLR, but for United Blood Bank, Shoebox Ministry, Center for Arizona Policy and many others. Alan and Joan participated in leadership for teen Bible Quizzing for 20 years. He managed KFLR for over 25 years, retiring in 2009 after 40 years with FLR.

Retirement meant more time to pursue music and theatre with Peoria Theatre, Ghostlight Theatre, and His Messengers, a Gospel double quartet. Alan provided the singing interlude for the Sun City Poms, and performed at Glendale Glitters. Alan continued to produce GOSPEL HARMONIES, which is heard weekly on more than 20 stations across the USA.

Alan and Joan welcomed additions to their family with the marriages of Autumn and Marc Dean (1994), Scott and Megan Hodges (2002) and Cyndi to Kevin Lambert (2010), and grandsons Kai Ryan Cook in 2008 and Quinten Thomas Cook in 2011.

The cancer he successfully fought in 2011 returned in 2022 but he was able to spend his last days at home surrounded by the family and friends who loved him. Alan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan, their children and life-long mates: Autumn with Marc, Scott with Megan and Cyndi with Kevin, grandchildren Kai and Quinten, and his brother Terry Cook (Joyce) of Grand Haven, MI.

Logan Smith Signs with Main Street: Releases New Single

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL MAIN STEET MUSIC

Nashville, TN (June 17th, 2022) – Stand-out vocalist Logan Smith is pleased to announce the release of a brand new single as part of a new partnership with Main Street Music & Entertainment.

Despite still being one of the younger artists in the genre, Logan Smith has a vast resume of experience within Southern Gospel music. Having recorded his first project at the age of ten, Logan was first introduced as part of the Gaither Homecoming Tour in 2008 and quickly gained popularity for his renditions of popular Goodman Family classics. From there, he went on to record six additional solo albums, and toured across America, Canada, as well as multiple Norwegian tours, all before the age of 20. Logan recently became known as part of the award-winning trio, 11th Hour, with whom he toured for several years and recorded two projects featuring several radio hits.

Now returning as a solo artist, Logan has set out to create a new platform all his own. His music is rooted in preserving the rich, traditional sound that Southern Gospel fans all know and love, while also adding his fresh, new interpretation. As part of the 65South record label, Logan looks forward to continuing to produce his unique blend of history and future, familiar and fresh.

“I am so excited about this new season with Main Street,” shares Logan Smith. “It’s been a decade since I’ve released an original song to radio, so I’m thrilled for everyone to hear ‘Living In You.’ Thank you to Q and Dani Phillips for taking a chance on me. I’m optimistic for the future and thankful to each and every one of you for following along on this journey. After 15 years in the industry, I feel like we’re just getting started!”

The first single released through this new partnership, ‘Living In You’, is available now on all streaming and digital platforms, in addition to playing on Southern Gospel radio stations across the country. The mid-tempo tune reminds listeners that the Christian life is more than attending church and living a good life, but true salvation is found only through the redemption offered through Christ.

The release of a full-length project is anticipated later this year.

To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow Logan Smith on social media, or visit logansmithministries.com.