Category: Southern Gospel

New Salem releases Christmas single “Heaven’s Holy Child”

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

New Salem has released a new Christmas single called “Heaven’s Holy Child.” The group shares the message of the season through their warm vocal style and strong musical ability. These qualities have become the hallmarks of New Salem’s sound.

Heaven’s Holy Child · New Salem · Jennifer McCallister · Bobby McCallister Heaven’s Holy Child â„— New Salem Publishing, BMI Released on: 2025-11-03

The group was previously known as The Bradleys. They perform in a smooth style that draws from Southern Gospel music with some bluegrass influence. New Salem continues to bring their music to audiences who appreciate this traditional approach.

The name of the group is a reference to its home base, the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. But the name has more meaning than a regional reference. According to the group’s website, “It is in the Bible; Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4, and Hebrews 6:20 & 7:1-3. SALEM, in the Hebrew language is SHALOM, which means PEACE, Righteousness and Wholeness.”

New Salem has earned recognition for their songwriting work. Several gospel groups have recorded songs written by members of New Salem, including The McKameys, The Primitives, and Troy Burns Family, among others.

During their time as The Bradleys, the group received a Dove Award nomination in the Bluegrass Album of the Year category for their album “So Glad.” They also won the Singing News Songwriting Competition with their song “Heavenly Peace.”

The new single “Heaven’s Holy Child” focuses on the birth of Christ. The group brings their diverse musical talents together to deliver this Christmas message.

Listen for New Salem’s latest release on Texas Gospel Canada!

Mississippi gospel group signs recording deal with Nashville label

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JEFF TURNER

Right Road Quartet of Columbia, Mississippi has signed a recording agreement with Big Picture Records.

The quartet began performing in March 2022 and has traveled since then. Matt Linton serves as the lead singer and founded the group. The other members are Kip Barrier, who sings tenor, Jason Pope, who sings baritone, and Caleb Dunn, who sings bass.

Matt Linton, Lead (Courtesy Right Road Quartet, 2025)

“Myself and Right Road Quartet are absolutely thrilled to be officially signed with Big Picture Records,” Linton said. “The entire team at Big Picture has been incredible to work with. We are so thankful for their belief in our ministry and music. We can’t wait to see what doors the Lord continues to open!”

Ed Leonard of Big Picture Records, which operates under Daywind Music Group, said the label looks forward to working with the quartet. “We are excited to work with Right Road Quartet to spread the Gospel to people everywhere,” Leonard said. “I can’t wait for fans to hear the new music they are making!”

Jaquita Jenkins, who handles artist relations for Big Picture Records, added that the group fits well with the label’s other performers. “We’re happy to add Right Road to the family of great artists at Big Picture Records. Their excellence in both recording and live performance will raise the bar,” Jenkins said.

Right Road Quartet from the 2024 NQC

Radio stations received the song in November, and it will become available on streaming services and download platforms in January 2026.

Right Road Quartet will perform at the National Quartet Convention in September 2026. The group also has concerts scheduled at other Southern Gospel events around the country.

The group’s first release with Big Picture Records is a song called “Just One Drop of Blood.” Kevin Wright wrote the song. Three producers worked on the recording: the late Garry Jones, Matthew Browder, and John Darin Rowsey. Jones previously worked with Gold City, Mercy’s Mark, and Canton Junction.

Before forming Right Road Quartet, Linton worked as a solo performer. He started the group because of his interest in quartet music.

Chris Allman of Greater Vision praised Right Road Quartet’s performances. “There’s no sound that compares to solid four-part harmony when it’s done well. Right Road Quartet is one that executes the music and represents Gospel Music in a way that makes us all proud. They sound great, are exciting to watch and present themselves in a classy manner,” Allman stated.

Big Picture Records started in 2021 as part of Daywind Music Group. The label works with several Southern Gospel artists, including Justified Quartet, Steve Ladd, and the Mark Dubbeld Family. The company provides promotion, marketing, and distribution services for its artists.

Joseph Habedank releases The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Two-time GRAMMY® nominee and Dove Award-winning artist Joseph Habedank has honoured one of Christian music’s most celebrated voices with the release of his new project, The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman, now available through Daywind Records as of November 21.

The 12-track collection reimagines some of Steven Curtis Chapman’s most beloved and timeless songs, interpreted through Habedank’s signature voice and artistry. The album features fan favourites including “His Strength Is Perfect,” “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True,” and the iconic title track, “The Great Adventure.”

The first single, Habedank’s re-fashioned version of “The Great Adventure,” arrived on September 5, giving listeners an early glimpse of the powerful and heartfelt renditions that shape the full album. Produced by Brent Milligan, the project offers a fresh perspective on Chapman’s classics while remaining true to the heart and message that have inspired generations.

“Steven Curtis Chapman’s music has been a soundtrack of faith for so many of us,” shares Joseph Habedank. “It’s an honour to pay tribute to the incredible songs that shaped my own walk and to share them with today’s audiences in a new way.”

“I’m truly humbled by Joseph’s decision to record this tribute,” says Chapman. “Hearing these songs interpreted through his voice and heart is such a gift. I pray they will continue to encourage and inspire people just as they have throughout the years.”

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Steven Curtis Chapman remains the most awarded artist in Christian music history, with 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, 5 GRAMMY® Awards, and countless hits that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman is more than a covers project, it’s a heartfelt celebration and reimagining of Chapman’s legacy, presented through the lens of one of today’s leading voices in Christian music.

“I’m blown away and incredibly honoured that my friend Joseph has released an entire album of my songs! I can’t wait for everybody to hear it!” – Steven Curtis Chapman

Steve Ladd celebrates two years as solo artist with new Christmas single and family milestones

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Southern Gospel artist Steve Ladd is wrapping up another eventful month filled with ministry opportunities, studio work, and precious family moments as he approaches the two-year mark of his return to solo artistry.

Steve Ladd · Michael Booth · Ronnie Booth The Trouble With Me ℗ 2025 Big Picture Records

Ladd spent early October in South Carolina, where he provided music for a four-night community revival series. The unique event featured services at a different church each evening, and Ladd expressed gratitude for both the spiritual atmosphere and the warm hospitality he received. “We were so blessed by not only the services, but also the hospitality of such a sweet bunch of people,” Ladd shared in his recent newsletter update.

The artist made a trip to Nashville this month for a special recording session with his son, Haven Ladd. The collaboration resulted in a new Christmas single titled “No Other Child,” set to release on all streaming platforms November 28th.

Haven, who graduated from Belmont University this past summer with a degree in music production, served as producer for the track. “He truly outdid himself on this one,” the proud father noted. Haven teamed up with Steve’s wife, Maegan, to provide background vocals for the recording.

Between travel and recording commitments, Ladd has been savoring time with his grandchildren. Recent highlights include watching grandson Odin start eating baby food and granddaughter Ari losing her two front teeth just in time for the holiday season. The family enjoyed Halloween festivities together, with Ladd sharing that the grandchildren “bring more joy than they will ever know.”

Ladd closed out the month with a trip to West Virginia, where he visited his brother Johnny. Even the family dog, Toby, was excited about the reunion, though Ladd jokes that the frequent travel may be starting to wear on his canine companion.

As he approaches U.S. Thanksgiving and marks two years since returning to solo ministry, Ladd expressed amazement at how his career has been blessed. “God has been so good to us,” he reflected, noting that supporters who pray for his family remain at the top of his gratitude list.
Steve acknowledged his struggle with timely newsletter updates and jokingly suggested making more consistent communication a New Year’s resolution.

An update on Caleb Banks of Phillips & Banks

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

In recent weeks, the Phillips & Banks family has leaned heavily on their faith and community as Caleb Banks faces a difficult turn in his health journey.

Caleb has been battling end stage kidney disease, a reality that has become increasingly challenging due to multiple complications.

The group and their loved ones deeply appreciate the outpouring of prayer and support from friends, fans, and fellow believers, asking for continued compassion and privacy as they navigate these changes.

Caleb spoke in May about his health challenges saying despite these struggles, he had, “…experienced the grace of God and the faithfulness of God like I never had before. It’s funny when we walk through these trials and things, we have to trust the Lord with things that we’ve never had to before. And not once has he ever left me and once has he ever forsaken me. And I don’t believe that he ever will. I know the Lord is good and that he’s working all things for my good. And I want to encourage you, he’s doing the same thing for you today.”

His wife made a Facebook post Friday with an update:

Caleb’s kidneys are not bouncing back as they should, and there doesn’t seem to be any real hope of improvement in the future. This is just the reality of end stage kidney disease. His creatinine, BUN, and GFR have all worsened significantly. Unfortunately, between the bad infection in his leg, and the strong antibiotics that were necessary to treat it, Caleb’s kidneys were not able to recover as we’d hoped. We found out yesterday morning, right after I posted the update, that Caleb was at the point of needing dialysis. We were so discouraged and disappointed, but the Lord has been so sweet and gentle with us over the last 24 hours. I am resting in the fact that He is in complete and total control. Praise the Lord for a way to keep Caleb, and so many others as healthy as possible for as long as possible!!

As of about 8:55 this morning, (11/14) Caleb has been wheeled back to have his dialysis port installed. He will stay in the hospital for a few more days to receive his first rounds of treatment, and then be discharged with a referral to a dialysis center. Please pray for Caleb, as this is obviously a massive life change. We are clinging to God’s word for encouragement.

đź”´I do ask that you please continue to respect our privacy during this time and refrain from texting or calling to get updates. While we greatly appreciate your prayers and your encouragement, I am so overwhelmed, as is Caleb. Like always, I will post any significant updates here!

As Caleb begins this next chapter of treatment, the family remains anchored in hope, trusting that God’s strength will continue to carry them through each new step.