Category: News

Longtime Texas Gospel Canada Programmer Alan Cook dies after battling cancer

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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 Alanā€™ 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 bachelorā€™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 Bolthouseā€™s basement. When FLR opened its first station, WUNN in Mason, Mi, in 1969, Alan was the first paid employee.

Alan and Joanā€™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 Godā€™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.

Arthur Rice appears one last time with Kingdom Heirs

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STAFF

Arthur Rice of the Kingdom Heirs is beginning a new chapter of his life as he leaves the group to become a church music director.

Arthur sang one last time with The Kingdom Heirs Monday.  He offered these thoughts to the group, the audience at The Showstreet Palace Theatre and an audience of thousands watching online.

ā€œGodā€™s been faithful to us, ā€œhe told the crowd as he spoke about the groupā€™s future.

ā€œWeā€™ve been through some things that, we shouldnā€™t be here.  I mean, the world looked at us and said, ā€˜yaā€™ll are done.ā€™ But you know what, God wasnā€™t done with us. And these boys are going to go on. Godā€™s always got a plan. Heā€™s always got somebody. And these boys are going to go on and be solid as a rock,ā€ he said.  

We wish Arthur well as he begins his new role at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, NC.

The Kingdom Heirs posted the following press release to the groupā€™s website:

Hello friends and dear supporters of the Kingdom Heirs. We would like to thank each of you for your devoted commitment to us over the years. Your loyalty is the greatest example of God’s grace that we know. Today we come to you with news that may come as a shock. Please know the decisions that were made were out of a prompting from the Holy Spirit that could not be ignored. Months ago, Arthur Rice was approached by a church in need of a music director. This church is very dear to Arthur, but as we all know, so is the Kingdom Heirs. After months in earnest prayer over this huge decision, Arthur received confirmation from the Lord to accept the position.

There is no one capable of “replacing” Arthur Rice being that he has a legacy in Southern Gospel that few can compare to. When the group was made aware of Arthurs resignation, it was greeted with a lot of tears and a lot of love. Group owner and bass guitar player Kreis French says, “I was surprised because I had thought this group of guys would take me through to the end, and Arthur has been a friend and mentor for 27 years. But I realize that God sometimes has different plans than we do. I am happy for him and his family.”

We will miss Arthur’s spectacular vocals as lead, the daily laughs both on and off stage, and his encouraging presence. However, we wish him and his family all the joy and success as he embarks on this new adventure.

Upon asking Arthur about this move he said, “In 1995, I moved across the mountains to a new home and a new family. The Kingdom Heirs have been my family for the past 27 years. We’ve had many ups and downs, triumphs and tragedy, but through it all God has been faithful. Even when others thought we’d never survive, we never lost hope or even gave the devil a chance to put doubt in our minds. We were determined to finish what The Lord had begun in us. Even during the pandemic when most groups were sidelined, God provided us a place to present a message of hope. I’d never even thought about retirement, as long as the Lord would allow me to sing I had a message to give. And then about 7 months ago, God started dealing with my heart about a change. No one likes change and especially after this long. Surely I was misunderstanding what was going on. So I started really praying and seeking God’s will. I had no idea what it was or what He wanted me to do but as the days, weeks and months moved on the Lord confirmed He had something else for me to do. About two months ago I started a conversation with a church. After much prayer and careful consideration, I have accepted a position to serve as music director. I will be announcing where in a few days. I’ve realized that this opportunity is the right path and direction for me and my family. We covet your prayers as we move forward.

To Kreis and Dennis; we’ve been through a lot together but our friendship and resolve has never faltered. To the rest of the guys, y’all are my boys; ain’t nobody any more consistent, day in, day out. Solid as a rock. It’s been an honor serving with you all. To the fans; thank you for loving us through it all, the best is yet to come. To Dollywood; thank you for a platform to tell the world about Jesus. What an incredible place to work. Please be praying for the guys as they move forward. I’ve heard them and it’s going to be awesome. Hook forward to continuing to help produce some music for them. I love y’all.”

So, what is next for the Kingdom Heirs? After time spent in prayer, the group has a solution that is hoped to result in a very smooth transition onward and upward. Loren Harris is moving to Lead and Andy Stringfield will be singing Baritone and playing keys.

French says “Going forward, there is excitement within the group as we adjust to our new roles. Our goal has always been and will continue to be to spread the word in the most upbeat and positive way possible. We plan to continue to travel and perform at Dollywood for as long as the Lord allows.”

Though we have done everything we can to make this an easy transition, there is a lot of work to be done when forming a new and solid sound. As Arthur so well worded, we have faced so many “ups and downs, triumphs and tragedy,” BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL! We each desire your prayers as we move forward in God’s calling on our lives.

With so much love, The Kingdom Heirs

Summer Sizzles with StowTown Records New Release from The Taylors

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SPECIAL StowTown Records

Nashville, TN (June 3, 2022) ā€“ As summer begins, StowTown Records is keeping the music hot with a new album release from The Taylors. Love Is The Voice marks their first release in two years and features the North Carolina-based group delivering a musical collection that includes all four siblings for the first time in eight years.

With Love is the Voice, The Taylors demonstrate rich vocal harmonies, delivered with personal conviction. Chris Taylor shares, “We are beyond excited to present our newest musical release Love is the Voice. This album was born from a desire to encourage listeners to hear and believe the promises of God. From the gorgeous orchestrations to the delightful vocal arrangements, each song is hand-selected to highlight the abilities of the singer and display their desire to worship God. As a special surprise, and much to the delight of fans of the original group, Leslie (Perkins) has joined us, adding her beautiful soprano voice to this project. We invite you to listen to the message of this incredible album; we know you won’t be disappointed.”

This recording affords The Taylors yet another opportunity to work with multi-award winning producer, Wayne Haun, who always seems to bring songs that offer encouragement and inspiration to the album. Additional songwriters whose compositions are included in the nine-song recording include Scotty Inman, Lee Black, Chris Binion, Dave Clark and Karen Peck Gooch, just to name a few. And while most of the songs are new, there is one more familiar song included on the album. “I’m Loving You More Every Day” was made popular as a worship chorus by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Haun explains, “Most people didn’t know that this song had verses. Jimmy and Becky Pearce brought in Aaron Wilburn to write a second verse; and the song, with both verses, has never been recorded until now. After lying dormant for 30-plus years, we get to hear this popular song in a whole new way.”

For a season, The Taylors,Ā Jonathan, Chris, Leslie andĀ Suzanne (Hise), have limited their travel to be with their young families. However, their music is connecting with concert goers throughout the country and across the globe via radio and streaming. This is just one reason why they place great emphasis on their song choices. These songs, coupled with what producer Wayne Haun calls “smooth, silky sounds,” make The Taylors a perennial fan favorite. “The Taylors choose heartfelt material and consistently offer the most comforting sounds; you know, the ones that you could sit and listen to all day. Nothing beats a family blend, and these four have such tight harmonies that you often can’t tell who is singing which part. They truly become one unit ā€“ one voice.”

Listen for Live is the Voice on Texas Gospel Canada!

Ball Brothers bring Supplies, Gospel Music and prayer to city in Ukraine

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DAVID INGRAM & INFO FROM DAYWIND RECORDS

The Ball Brothers just returned from a mission trip to Ukraine. They were in the war-torn country April 19-26 after being invited by the pastor of Revival Baptist Church in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. More than 100 refugees are staying at the church.

Their visit was covered by secular media.

The group gave a Gospel concert at the church on Orthodox Easter but they brought more than just music.

“We were able to load up two vans full of food to deliver to displaced Ukranian refugees in Vinnytsia,” said Daniel Ball.

The supplies included canned goods, produce and other foods that do not require refrigeration.

“Thank you so much for your support and your prayers. We have pictures and videos all up on Facebook if you want to see a little bit of what we’ve done,” Ball said.

The Williamsons new project features some heavy-hitter song writers

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SPECIAL FamilyMusic Group

Above Everything from the Williamsons, is the debut album for the REAL Southern Gospel Record label. The project features 14 new songs from top writers in Southern Gospel music, such as Kyla Rowland, Gerald Crabb, and Dave Clark.

Above Everything was produced by Les Butler and features Nashvilleā€™s top, award-winning players, Johnny Brown, Brent Mason, Milton Smith, Kris Krunk, Matt Butler, Andy Leftwich, and the late Robb Tripp! Fayetteville Community Church Choir is also featured, led by Wesley Pritchard.

SONG SYNOPSIS & REVIEWS by Isaac Hughes

Read It Again: [LISA WILLIAMSON] Lisa Williamson is a great songwriter who deserves more credit than she receives. This song is just 1 example of that. Containing the entire message of the gospel, this song says that if we ever need to be reminded of who God is and what He can do in our lives, just go back to the old black book, and read it again! This song was a fantastic choice to be the first single. Well done, Williamsons!

In The Precious Blood of The Lamb: [DARYL K. WILLIAMS] Southern gospel and quartet 101, this song is right down my alley! The only hope we will ever have for eternal salvation is in the blood of Christ and this song reassures the Christian of that fact! “Where the blood is found, every sin has drowned”, wow what a lyric!

Out Of Harm’s Way: [KYLA ROWLAND] This is a classic Kyla Rowland song. What more needs to be said? But honestly, the message in this song, and all of her compositions, will never get old. We’ve all had those times when things weren’t going our way and God impressed someone to lift our name to Heaven’s throne room. I’m so very thankful for that. I had the chance to see them sing this in concert, and the crowd ate it up! Good songs will never die.

Above Everything: [LISA WILLIAMSON] This song is pertinent for every child of God. You may not have the platform of the greatest preachers and speakers; you may not travel up and down the gospel highway in a quartet bus. You may not even teach a Sunday school class, but the calling for every Christian is to be faithful to God and what He wants in your life. Colossians 3: 23-24 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

You Made the Mountain: [LISA WILLIAMSON] Are you standing at the bottom looking up to a mountain in your life right now? You might be praying for God to remove it out of your way and cast it into the sea. But it might be that He wants to strengthen you for something down the road. His ways are not our human ways and that’s hard to comprehend sometimes. This song tells us to just go ahead and start climbing! Who are we to ask God to change His grand design? Go ahead and trust Him and He’ll see you through every time!

Jesus Leading His Children Home: [GERALD CRABB] I’m a HUGE fan of the Hinsons and the more country sound of gospel music. When this song kicked off and the sounds of the steel guitar came in, I stopped dead in my tracks. We all have a longing to go to our eternal home, that’s really not a debate among Christians. Just imagine all that will happen when He calls us away that day: family reunions with our loved ones, the redeemed millions joining in song, seeing our blessed Savior face to face for the first time, seeing all the splendors of Heaven. I’m having a spell right now just thinking about it! What a day that will be when Jesus leads all of His children home!

What A Privilege: [KRISTI FITZWATER/LEE BLACK] “What a privilege is ours to go before the Lord in prayer”. Think about this: we, as children of God, have direct access to the one who created everything we see and don’t see. The one who gave His life for a sorry sinner like myself, and the very God who was, is, and is to come! Who are we to deserve that right? I certainly don’t and I’m sure you’d agree. This song is a humbling but assuring song. Whatever your need, bring it to Him.

The King Eternal: [LISA WILLIAMSON] History has shown us the rise of many empires: the Romans, Russians, Spanish empire, and many more. But one thing they all have in common, and you read it in every history book, they ONCE ruled. Kingdoms come and go like yesterday’s lunch, and we don’t think anything of it. But there is one kingdom, one ruler, and one King who is eternal, forever, always. He has never left, He has not lost His power, and He is ever interceding at the Father’s right-hand side for us. This song is really a song to brag on our King and I just love it.

Take That Mountain By Faith: [NATHAN WOODARD/KENNA TURNER WEST] This groovy song has a similar message to “You Made The Mountain”. You may be climbing up a steep mountain in your life, and God has assured us that He will never leave us, but He never promised that it would be easy, or we wouldn’t have to fight. I think back to a song Johnny Cook sang with the Goodmans, “I may lose a battle now and then, but I’ve already won the war”. When God makes a promise, you can take it to the bank and go ahead and start claiming the victory!

Greater Than the Pain: [WILLIAM CARROLL COOK/JENIFER B. MCCALLISTER] Many have tried but failed to completely explain how hard it was for Jesus to be offered on the cross. From the plucking of His beard, the spear in His side, nails in His feet and hands, to the emotional pain from the rejection of His disciples, we will never be able to describe the pain that took place on Calvary. But this song assures us, and I’m so thankful for it, that His love for me and for you overcame the pain and the agony He faced. He loved us so much to give His perfect, sinless life for me, a dirty, rotten, unholy mess. Who great the Father’s love for us!

Message To the World: [LISA WILLIAMSON] Here’s another great upbeat song that simply says, “GO”! We have the cure for anything and everything that ails our world today. How selfish would it be if we kept it to ourselves? Go out and tell the greatest message to this lost and dying world!

The Story: [DAVE CLARK] This song reminds me of the Gold City song, “If Church Pews Could Shout”. If objects like the road Jesus walked on, the temple where He preached, and the cross He was crucified on could speak, how amazing would their accounts be! Having experienced The King of all eternity, the Ancient of Days, and God in human flesh would be astonishing. But the song says that it really doesn’t matter how the story is told or how many times we hear it. The story of His glory and majesty will never get old and we will worship Him for eternity when we reach our final home.

Caught Away: [JANICE CROW] Songs about the rapture and going home never get old. After all, it is the main hope of the Christian life. This song simply says, when He calls us out of here, nothing will be able to hold, detain, hinder, or contain us from bidding farewell to this old world and going to gain our Heavenly mansion! By the shape our society is in, I don’t think it will be very long. Will I see you in the middle of the air leaving out of here?

One More: [RACHEL MCCUTCHEON/ADINA BOWMAN] I don’t know and neither do you how many people are saved and washed in Calvary’s blood. The family of God can stretch from sky to sky. But like the old hymn of the church, there is still room at the cross for you. God has not lost his power to save old sinners and He can still save one more. It’s my prayer that if you don’t know Him today, you become that “one more” the Williamsons are singing about. It’s never too late to believe!

Listen for songs from the Williamson’s new project on Texas Gospel Canada!