Author: Texas Gospel

From Prison to Praise: The Inspiring Journey Behind The Kingsmen’s ‘Praying for the Prodigal’

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JEFF TURNER

A lot of thought goes into selecting which songs groups release to radio as singles. However, for The Kingsmen’s latest song, “Praying for the Prodigal,” the decision wasn’t what they initially expected. Alan Kendall, one of the band members, shared the remarkable backstory that led to this unconventional choice.

While leaving a hotel in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Alan met an ex-prisoner who had just been released after spending days behind bars. The man was searching for a job and had found faith while incarcerated. His desire was simple: to straighten out his life. That night, during a worship service, the Kingsmen extended an invitation, and the young man stepped forward, rededicating his life to the Lord.

But the story didn’t end there. As it turned out, another man—also recently released from prison—attended the same service. He, too, sought redemption and a fresh start. The pastor asked the Kingsmen to sing “Praying for the Prodigal” while he, along with deacons and church members, laid hands on this second prodigal.

Alan Kendall and his bandmate Brandon exchanged glances on the bus that night. They knew they had something special. “I believe we’ve got our next single,” Brandon said. And so, “Praying for the Prodigal” became the chosen track—a departure from the usual high-energy follow-up to a ballad like “Unstoppable God.”

The song’s message resonates with hope, redemption, and the power of transformation. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a chance for renewal. So, as you listen to “Praying for the Prodigal” on Texas Gospel Canada, remember the ex-convicts whose lives intersected with this powerful anthem. Their stories inspire us all to believe in second chances and the unwavering love of a forgiving God.

Dean Hickman’s Miraculous Recovery: A Testament to Faith and Resilience

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JEFF TURNER

Recently, Dean Hickman had the opportunity to perform with The Guardians and later appeared with The Hoppers at his home church. However, a serious medical issue struck several weeks ago. Pat Barker explains the harrowing experience and the miraculous recovery that followed.

“Things took a turn and he started having headaches. Dean doesn’t really deal with headaches often, and so they thought maybe some kind of sinus infection or something,” Barker begins. “So he went to a doctor, they sent him somewhere else, and they discovered a blood clot and then a brain bleed.”

The situation escalated quickly. “Within just a few hours, they had to do emergency brain surgery on our friend Dean Hickman. We kept that pretty quiet. We made the decision, along with them, to just tell a very small handful of people, mostly some pastors that we knew that could pray for Dean,” Barker continues. “Prayer works. It always works.”

The days following the surgery were tense. “We went about a week and Dean really didn’t say much of anything. Maybe a word here or there. It was very touch and go,” Barker recalls. “But the other day, John received a phone call. It was Dean. It was Dean who called and was talking now. His speech was a little slurred and he was very emotional and he struggled to get some things out.”

The next day brought even more hope. “Then the next day he called us and he sounded like Dean. He was happy, he was laughing. It was like having Dean right back with us only a week after the brain surgery. It was nothing short of a miracle,” Barker concludes.

We are so delighted to hear that Dean Hickman is doing better. Please continue to lift him up in your prayers. Dean is featured on the current song from The Guardians, “Another Life To Give.” Listen for Dean and The Guardians on Texas Gospel Canada!

StowTown Records releases new music from GMA Dove Award Winning soloist Doug Anderson

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SPECIAL: StowTown Records

Nashville, TN – StowTown Records is having a sizzling summer season and is thrilled to announce the release of a brand new recording from popular singer/songwriter, Doug Anderson. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow features a 12-song collection that highlights the exceptional vocal abilities which have made Anderson a fan-favorite for over two decades.

His introduction to audiences in 2002 came when Anderson joined the newly formed Signature Sound Quartet, led by multi-award winning tenor, Ernie Haase. As the energetic group quickly rose to the pinnacle of the gospel music scene, Anderson’s popularity ascended as well. His smooth, rich baritone voice and fun-loving personality quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide as the group toured with legendary music mogul Bill Gaither and The Gaither Vocal Band.

In addition to maintaining a steady touring schedule with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, over the past few years Anderson has also thrilled audiences as a member of the popular trio, Cana’s Voice, formed with longtime friends and popular vocalists, TaRanda Greene and Jody McBrayer. 

Anderson released his first solo recording in 2011. Dreamin’ Wide Awake became an instant hit with fans, who embraced the recording’s versatility, energy and thought-provoking lyrical content. It went on to win the 2012 GMA Dove Award® for Country Album of the Year. In 2014, his sophomore solo release, Drive, earned Anderson another GMA Dove Award® for Country Album of the Year. He went on to record a third solo project, The Only One, in 2016. One year later, Anderson delighted fans with the release of his Back Porch Christmas recording, which featured a collection of traditional favorites and original songs.

With this latest StowTown endeavor, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Anderson combines eight previously released cuts, with four brand-new tunes penned with fellow songwriters Jeff Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey, Kevin Winebarger and the recording’s producer, 14-time GrammyŽ nominee, Wayne Haun. The debut single, “Until It Was Me,” was sent to radio in early May and is receiving heavy airplay at radio stations nationwide. Early reports indicate this first release is sure to become another Top 40 hit for the decorated vocalist. 

“Until It Was Me” is just one of several songs expected to be released to radio, according to StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene. “This recording contains so much great music,” Beene states. “’Keep On Shining’ is a fun, upbeat song of encouragement that is so needed in today’s climate. ‘Thank God For Tomorrow’ is a straight-up traditional cut with a powerful lyric that is so reminiscent of the classic country feel. Doug’s smooth, rich tones bring this song to life, and I think it’s going to be an instant hit.”

Just as Beene conveys excitement about the potential of the new songs featured on Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Anderson is also expecting great things from the recording. One song he especially loves is a special cut written by longtime friend, Joel Lindsey. “One of my favorites is ‘What Held Me,'” Anderson shares. “Honestly, it’s my personal testimony. So many times we take our burdens to the Lord and never fully trust that He can handle them, so we pick them back up. But it’s only in true and total surrender we can be free. This is one of the most powerful songs I have heard in a long time. I know it will bring great encouragement to listeners.”

Appropriately titled, this project is a collection of past, present and future hits. From beginning to end, this recording conveys the powerful message of God’s goodness, mercy and grace that stands the test of time and is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is distributed exclusively by Provident/Sony and is  at digital and retail outlets worldwide. Stream the full project here.

The Kingdom Heirs’ “Until Prayer Changes Me” talks about the transformative powerof talking to God

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SPECIAL: CROSSROADS MUSIC

Arden, North Carolina (July 12, 2024) — They may be a legendary group with decades of music already behind them, but the Kingdom Heirs are taking an approach to releasing music that’s as forward-looking as today’s headlines.  Less than two months after issuing what will eventually be the title track of a new collection — and just weeks after the announcement that the beloved Southern Gospel ensemble’s musicians are in the Singing News Fan Awards Top 5 â€” the Sonlite Records recording artists are back with new music. Cast as a stately country waltz, with pedal steel guitar and lush strings punctuating soaring vocals, “Until Prayer Changes Me” offers a heartfelt look at the transformative power of prayer.  

“From the moment I heard the first words of this song, I knew that it was a song the Kingdom Heirs needed to record,” affirms Chris Bryant, whose soulful voice is at the fore throughout the song. “It’s one of the most relatable messages in song that I have heard in a very long time. There’s not a believer out there who hasn’t found themselves on their knees asking God ‘why?’ Those are often some of the most difficult moments of our lives.”

Penned by veteran songwriter Janice Crow, “Until Prayer Changes Me” offers a vivid depiction of how prayer can bring reassurance of God’s mercy in times of trouble—and how it can change the believer rather than the circumstances they face:

Sometimes my burdens send me to my knees
With problems I don’t understand
I ask God to change it so I can arrange it
According to my master plan
But when I remember who parted the sea
And hung all the stars in the blue
I stop and surrender to the only heart mender
Who knows just what I need to do

Says Bryant, “This song reminds us that sometimes God doesn’t change our situation—sometimes He changes US! He gives us peace, assurance that He is still in control, and grace to make it through. We pray that this song touches so many people as it has us.”

Listen to “Until Prayer Changes Me” on Texas Gospel Canada!

StowTown Records announces debut recording, Where You Are from Peach Goldman

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SPECIAL StowTown Records

Nashville, TN – Exciting new music comes in hot this summer from StowTown Records with the release of the debut recording from dynamic vocal team, Peach Goldman. Since bursting on the Christian music scene in early 2024, Peach Goldman has quickly gained the attention of fans and industry tastemakers alike. Destined for success, Peach Goldman is the culmination of three longtime friends who share a common love of music and a deep desire to present the message of the Gospel with excellence.

Comprised of husband/wife duo Troy and Katy Peach, along with their dear friend Andrew Goldman, the trio collectively possesses decades of musical experience, touring with such popular groups as The Perrys, The Nelons, The Mike Speck Trio, The Wilburns and The Steeles. Possessing such a rich history in the gospel music arena, it’s no surprise that the trio has already found their place in the industry. Their first national radio single, “Grace Will Lead You Home,” became the highest charting debut song ever from a new artist. Additionally, their second single, “Storms I Never See,” which released in May, is already receiving rave reviews, charting on stations in over two dozen markets. “It’s absolutely amazing to see what God has already done through the ministry of Peach Goldman,” Stowtown Records President and CEO Landon Beene states. “We are also thrilled to be a part of this new ministry and excited about the great things the future holds for Troy, Katy and Andrew.”

Where You Are merges the creative gifts of Peach Goldman with multi-GMA Dove AwardÂŽ winning and GrammyÂŽ nominated producer, Wayne Haun, and features songs by such prolific writers as Don West, Joel Lindsey, Twila LaBar, Cindi Ballard, Ray Davis and Sue C. Smith, just to name a few. Each arrangement possesses progressive, rich vocals, complemented by first-class orchestrations and instrumentation by many of the industry’s most gifted musicians, including Jason Webb, Gordon Mote, Kevin Williams, Jeremy Medkiff and Trey Ivey. The end result is a musical collection that even exceeded the expectations of their beloved producer himself. “I’ve known these three for years and have worked with them countless times in the studio,” Haun shares. “I knew they would sound great together, but working with them on this particular project far exceeded my expectations. Their blend is fresh, exciting and one that fans are going to love.” 

From the worshipful “I Tremble” to the acoustical “For My Good” to the moving ballad “Grace Meets You Where You Are,” this collection of songs meets each listener exactly where they are. “Our goal was to deliver multiple messages for the seasons of life that each Christian goes through,” Troy Peach explains, “and we believe this recording does just that. God is good. He is faithful, and His grace knows no end. He meets us right where we are in our walk, and that’s good news!”

For Christian music lovers there’s more good news! Peach Goldman plans to deliver great music for many years to come. Where You Are is distributed exclusively by Provident/Sony and is available at digital and retail outlets worldwide. Listen for Peach Goldman on Texas Gospel Canada!