Category: Southern Gospel

Finding light in the darkest valley: Hutch Jordan’s Journey from addiction to redemption

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Addiction is an all too common affliction. Quite possibly, you or someone you love may be suffering an addiction right now. For Hutch Jordan of The Jordan Family Band, the struggle with addiction brought him to what he describes as “rock bottom” – but it was also where he found hope.

Hutch Jordan and family (Courtesy Daywind Records)

Jordan’s story is one of devastating lows and remarkable transformation. The multi-instrumentalist and producer, known for his talent across guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, had reached a breaking point that threatened everything he held dear.

“I hurt the people that I love the most. My wife, my daughter, my family,” Jordan recalls. “I lived in shame, guilt, complete lies, and in a darkness so deep that I couldn’t see a way out.”

On 4 August 2025, Jordan and his wife made the drive to Pikeville, Tennessee, to a facility called Our Master’s Camp. He arrived feeling “terrified, completely empty, and pretty sure that God had finally turned his back on me.”

But two weeks into his stay, something shifted. On 15 August, at what Jordan describes as “the bottom of rock bottom,” he experienced a profound moment of spiritual connection. “Jesus met me not with anger, not with resentment, not with rejection, but with a soft whisper in my spirit that said I’m here, trust me,” he explains. “And there in the lowest place that I had ever been, I surrendered to God fully and completely, and the peace of God that passes and defies all of my understanding washed over me.”

Jordan’s musical gifts emerged early in life. Born in 2000, he was playing multiple instruments and singing with his family by age nine. Now in his twenties, he has established himself as one of the industry’s premier multi-instrumentalists, handling stage sound, lead guitar, and acoustic guitar for the band’s live performances. His abilities have made him a highly sought-after session musician beyond his work with The Jordan Family Band.

In 2020, Jordan married his longtime sweetheart, Heather Sampson, who has since joined the family band. Through his darkest struggles, she remained by his side.

For those grappling with similar battles, Jordan offers a message born from his own experience: “If you’re listening and you feel hopeless, hear me out. There is forgiveness. There is freedom. And Jesus is enough.”

Southern Gospel legend Larry Ford passes away at 78

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

The southern gospel community is mourning the loss of Larry Ford, a beloved vocalist whose distinctive tenor voice touched hearts across the globe for decades. Mr. Ford, 78, passed away recently, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith and music.

Music video by Larry Ford performing Favorite Song Of All. (C) 2006 Spring House Music Group

Throughout his career, Mr. Ford became known for his exceptional vocal talent, which included notable stints with The Dixie Echoes and the James Blackwood Quartet. However, he will be most recognised for his work with The Gaither Homecoming Friends, where his Irish tenor voice became a cherished part of the beloved musical fellowship.

In his later years, Mr. Ford enjoyed a busy solo career that took him to more than 30 countries. The Grammy-winning former pastor made albums not just of hymns and praise music, but of patriotic American songs and Irish folk tunes as well. Larry had been a pilot, a pastor, and all of his life, a worshipper.

His passing was announced by his family on his Facebook page with a touching tribute:
“Our hero is Home — yes, that Home. The Home he sang about, longed for, and faithfully pointed others towards for nearly all his life. Larry led his family with quiet strength and tender grace. With his grand Irish tenor voice, he lived his faith with humility, carrying the Good News of the Gospel through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs all over the world. He believed that little is much when God is in it, labouring not for wealth or fame, but for the crown promised to those who go in Jesus’ name. And now, we know he has heard the words he sang and lived by: ‘You’ve been faithful, welcome home, My child, well done.’ We find comfort knowing that the voice who sang of Heaven and Home is now there. Thank you for the prayers, the love, and the support during this time. We are deeply grateful.”

Funeral services for Larry Ford will be held at the First Assembly of God Church in Fort Myers, Florida, on 27 December.

Adina Bowman signs with Daywind, Dec 2025

Southern Gospel songwriter Adina Bowman joins Daywind Music Publishing

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

A well-known name in southern gospel music has found a new home. Adina Bowman, a songwriter whose work is often cited as a favourite by artists, has signed an exclusive agreement with Daywind Music Publishing.

Bowman’s songs have been recorded by some of the biggest names in southern gospel music. The Collingsworth Family, Nelons, Inspirations, and Tribute Quartet are among the many artists who have performed her work.

Bowman expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership. “I am truly honored and grateful to join the Daywind Music Publishing family,” Bowman said. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to create music that will encourage and reach people where they are, and I am very much looking forward to working with Rick Shelton and this incredible team.”

Rick Shelton, who serves as vice-president of Daywind Music Publishing, welcomed the addition. “We are delighted to welcome Adina to our songwriting roster,” Shelton said. “Her talent speaks for itself, but it’s her gracious, Christian spirit that makes her such a natural fit for our creative community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to champion her songs and help place them in the hands of artists and ultimately in the hearts of their audiences.”

The signing comes at the end of a successful year for Daywind Music Publishing. The company’s writers have celebrated eight number-one songs on the Singing News monthly charts this year.
Bowman’s move to Daywind marks a new chapter for a songwriter who has already made a significant impact on southern gospel music.

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

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

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

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

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.