Category: Southern Gospel

Cole Watson joins The Perrys as newest vocalist for 55th anniversary season

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Perrys have announced Cole Watson as their newest vocalist, completing a lineup that now includes Libbi Perry Stuffle, Jared Stuffle, Joseph Reed and Watson as the group marks its 55th anniversary in ministry.

Watson, a native of Gadsden, Ala., brings an extensive performance background to the group, having previously sung with Exodus, The Troy Burns Family, Gold City and most recently The Kingsmen. He credits his father, Mike Watson, with instilling in him a lifelong love of gospel music.

“I am honored to stand alongside Libbi, Jared and Joseph,” Watson said. “I grew up listening to my dad and grandparents sing The Perrys’ songs, and now I have the privilege of singing some of those same songs as a member.”

Libbi Perry Stuffle, a founding family member of the group, said the addition came after significant prayer.

“We are very honored to have Cole and his wife, Brooklyn, as part of The Perrys family,” Stuffle said. “We have all prayed fervently for God to send the right person, and He did.”

Watson and his wife, Brooklyn, join the group as The Perrys enter what the ministry is calling a new chapter. Watson acknowledged the weight of stepping into one of Southern Gospel’s most recognizable rosters.

“Brooklyn and I are thankful for this new chapter,” he said. “We know that God is in this, and we don’t take that lightly.”

The Perrys have been a fixture in Southern Gospel music since their founding and have built a following across multiple generations of gospel music fans.

Westward Road’s ‘He Knew’ tackles shame head-on with message of grace

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Nobody gets through life without regret. Westward Road’s latest single, “He Knew,” speaks directly to that feeling, and offers something better on the other side.

The song opens with a line that pulls no punches: So ashamed of my past, didn’t even want to look back. It’s the kind of lyric that lands because so many people have lived it.

Scott Roberts of Westward Road says that vulnerability was entirely intentional.

“How many times have we felt that? How many times have we felt ashamed?” Roberts said. “And Satan just points it out, especially in our quiet times.”

But the song doesn’t stay in that dark place. The title itself, “He Knew,” is the turn. Roberts says the message is about a grace that doesn’t wait for perfection.

“He didn’t save us because we were perfect or we were trying to be perfect,” Roberts said. “He saved us because he wanted to extend his perfect grace and mercy.”

It’s a straightforward message delivered without pretense, which is exactly what makes it connect. “He Knew” is on regular rotation now, and it’s worth a full listen, especially on a day when the past feels a little too loud.

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

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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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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.