Category: Southern Gospel

Joseph Habedank shares family news as he and wife Lindsay prepare for twin daughters

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Lindsay and Joseph Habedank have shared joyful news as they prepare to welcome twin daughters later this year.

The couple announced they are expecting twin girls, with a due date of Oct. 22. They noted, however, that twins often arrive earlier than expected.

The Habedanks said they are both excited and grateful as they prepare for what they describe as a “crazy fall.” They also shared that twins run in Lindsay’s family, and that they had a strong feeling early on that they would be expecting two children.

That feeling was confirmed during a doctor’s visit, when two babies were seen.

While acknowledging that raising twins can be challenging, the couple said they are looking forward to what they called “the best adventure of a lifetime.”

They are also asking for prayers as they prepare for the arrival of their daughters.

Right Road Quartet’s Matt Linton asks for prayers as wife faces emergency eye surgery

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Matt Linton of Right Road Quartet is asking friends and fans for prayers following a serious diagnosis involving his wife, Cynara.

Linton shared that what began as a routine eye exam a couple of weeks ago led to concerning findings. During the appointment, the eye doctor identified an issue and referred her to a specialist.

The couple visited the specialist last week. Linton said he became concerned when multiple medical professionals entered the room to review the scans.

According to Linton, the specialist determined that Cynara Linton has detached retinas in both eyes. He said the doctor told them he did not know how she was not already blind based on the scans.

Linton said the specialist advised that immediate surgery on both eyes is necessary and warned that without treatment, she could become completely blind within 10 years.

The Lintons were expecting the surgery to take place this week.

Clayton Inman to be inducted into Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame class of 2026

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

A major honour is coming to one of gospel music’s own.

Southern Gospel Music Association President Arthur Rice interrupted a set at Scotty Inman’s Hometown Jam in Sevierville to announce that Clayton Inman will be inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

The announcement came just days ago and drew strong support from those in attendance, who praised Inman’s contributions to gospel music.

Organizers say they are proud of the achievement and describe Inman as “the best of the best.”

Supporters are encouraged to follow social media pages for additional images and video from the announcement.

Plans are now underway for the induction ceremony, set for Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the National Quartet Convention. Attendees are invited to take part in recognizing Inman’s impact on the gospel music community.

The Hyssongs

Horizon Records signs The Hyssongs; Debut single due May 1

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JEFF TURNER

NASHVILLE — Horizon Records has added The Hyssongs to its roster of Southern Gospel artists, the label announced, with the Maine-based group set to release its debut single for the label on May 1.

The single, titled “Good News Savior,” arrives as the trio , and now quintet, marks a significant milestone: 30 years in music ministry this summer.

Core members Dell, Susan and Richard Hyssong have built a loyal following over three decades through consistent radio airplay and a sound that sets them apart in the genre. Dell plays trumpet and Richard plays trombone, brass instruments rarely heard in Southern Gospel. Their debut Horizon single, however, takes a different sonic direction, featuring keyboard and guitars in place of the group’s signature horns.

The group’s membership has grown to include Kelly Hyssong, Richard’s wife, and Makayla Hyssong, their daughter, rounding out what is now a five-member ensemble known for its distinctive vocal style and musical approach.

The Hyssongs’ track record in the genre is well-established. The group has earned multiple Singing News Fan Awards as well as Diamond Awards from Southern Gospel News, known in the industry as SGNScoops.

Horizon Records said it anticipates a strong and lasting working relationship with the group.

“Good News Savior” will be available May 1.

Les Butler to be inducted into Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Les Butler, owner of REAL Southern Gospel Radio, will be inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Aug. 1, 2026. The announcement came during a phone call on March 25 from chairman and CEO Will Dickerson.

The organization honours individuals who have made strong contributions to gospel music across Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Butler’s induction follows a long career in broadcasting and music promotion that has spanned five decades.

Butler said the milestone caused him to reflect on his years in radio. He noted that he began working in Southern Gospel Radio 50 years ago and has spent 48 consecutive years in that field. During that time, he interviewed nearly every member of the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. His interviews also extended beyond music, including figures such as former U.S. president George W. Bush, former attorney general John Ashcroft, Harlem Globetrotters player Meadowlark Lemon, New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, and the cast of The Waltons.

He also recalled personal moments with well-known figures in gospel music, including time spent with Bill Gaither and Vestal Goodman. Butler said these experiences were meaningful, but he placed greater value on hearing from listeners who said his work made a difference in their lives.

Throughout his career, Butler has held several roles in the industry. He spent 20 years with Singing News Magazine, including serving as publisher. He also worked for 20 years as general manager and daily host on the Solid Gospel Radio Network. In addition, he served on boards connected to the Southern Gospel Music Association, Southern Gospel Music Guild, and the National Quartet Convention.

His work has included hosting the Southern Gospel Channel on Delta Airlines’ radio network and receiving a March of Dimes AIR Award as a disc jockey. Butler founded Butler Music Group and owns Family Music Group. Through FMG Radio Promotions, he helped promote dozens of songs that reached No. 1 in Singing News charts.

As a producer, Butler worked on multiple No. 1 songs, including a run of 10 consecutive chart-topping releases on the Singing News Bluegrass Chart with Heaven’s Mountain Band. He has also performed as a musician on several Top 10 songs, including those that reached No. 1.

Butler is also the founder of the Old Time Preachers Quartet and the REAL Southern Gospel Radio Network. His work has earned multiple Diamond Awards, as well as awards from AGM and SGN, along with several nominations for the Singing News Fan Awards.

In recent days, Butler said he learned that he and his station were named among the Top 10 in the Singing News Fan Awards. He described both that recognition and the upcoming Hall of Fame induction as unexpected developments in a career he said still feels active and ongoing.