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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 Alan’ 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 bachelor’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 Bolthouse’s basement. When FLR opened its first station, WUNN in Mason, Mi, in 1969, Alan was the first paid employee.

Alan and Joan’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 God’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.

Logan Smith Signs with Main Street: Releases New Single

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SPECIAL MAIN STEET MUSIC

Nashville, TN (June 17th, 2022) – Stand-out vocalist Logan Smith is pleased to announce the release of a brand new single as part of a new partnership with Main Street Music & Entertainment.

Despite still being one of the younger artists in the genre, Logan Smith has a vast resume of experience within Southern Gospel music. Having recorded his first project at the age of ten, Logan was first introduced as part of the Gaither Homecoming Tour in 2008 and quickly gained popularity for his renditions of popular Goodman Family classics. From there, he went on to record six additional solo albums, and toured across America, Canada, as well as multiple Norwegian tours, all before the age of 20. Logan recently became known as part of the award-winning trio, 11th Hour, with whom he toured for several years and recorded two projects featuring several radio hits.

Now returning as a solo artist, Logan has set out to create a new platform all his own. His music is rooted in preserving the rich, traditional sound that Southern Gospel fans all know and love, while also adding his fresh, new interpretation. As part of the 65South record label, Logan looks forward to continuing to produce his unique blend of history and future, familiar and fresh.

“I am so excited about this new season with Main Street,” shares Logan Smith. “It’s been a decade since I’ve released an original song to radio, so I’m thrilled for everyone to hear ‘Living In You.’ Thank you to Q and Dani Phillips for taking a chance on me. I’m optimistic for the future and thankful to each and every one of you for following along on this journey. After 15 years in the industry, I feel like we’re just getting started!”

The first single released through this new partnership, ‘Living In You’, is available now on all streaming and digital platforms, in addition to playing on Southern Gospel radio stations across the country. The mid-tempo tune reminds listeners that the Christian life is more than attending church and living a good life, but true salvation is found only through the redemption offered through Christ.

The release of a full-length project is anticipated later this year.

To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow Logan Smith on social media, or visit logansmithministries.com.

Jordan Family Band suspending travel amid state of the economy

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SPECIAL: DAYWIND RECORDS

The Jordan Family Band has announced that it is suspending all traveling for the foreseeable future. They say this isn’t a hasty decision; rather, it is one that has been thought out and prayed over.

The group says that is a necessary move because of the current state of the economy and cost of living. They add that they have been dipping into personal savings to cover costs with keeping the group on the road touring. But don’t think they are going away.

“The decision to suspend travel right now with the band has been heartbreaking to say the least. I definitely feel there’s an empty space inside me, but also know it’s God’s perfect will for our lives right now,” said Randa Jordan.

“We’re seeking the Lord. We’re going to do some social media, videos, and music videos, and we’re going to reach as many as we can through that platform, and we’re going to continue to make music,” she said.

The Jordan Family Band is working on new music to be released in the upcoming months.

Listen for the group’s latest release I Wanna Go on Texas Gospel Canada

Momentum Continues As Avalon Worship Releases Live Version of “Rattle”

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SPECIAL: RED STREET RECORDS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (June 13, 2022) – Building upon the momentum that has been growing since the iconic group announced their name change and new musical direction, Avalon Worship has released the live version of the song “Rattle” on video and recorded formats.

The live video version was filmed by David “Doc” Abbott – known for his work with NEEDTOBREATHE, Lady A, Jewel, CeeLo Green, Lee Brice, Styx, Brian McKnight, Jason Mraz, Train, among others – at Starstruck Studios on Music Row in Nashville, TN. The worship experience features a choir of local worship leaders and students from Lipscomb University’s Worship Arts Department.

“This song reminds us that we serve a God that is supernatural,” says Greg Long. “What seems impossible to us is always possible with Him. Whatever circumstance we are walking through we can be encouraged when we hear the lyric, ‘Dry bones hear the Word of the Lord,’ taken from the book of Ezekiel.”

“So many feel so defeated and powerless right now,” says Jody McBrayer. “Exhausted and struggling, even with our faith. As I listen to and sing this song, I’m reminded that there is a sovereign God who is still in control…still breathing life into dry, tired and defeated bones and He still has a plan. Just as He spoke to the prophet Ezekiel thousands of years ago, He still speaks today!”

Long admired for show-stopping, mega-hits like “Testify To Love,” “Can’t Live A Day,” and “Adonai,” the American Music Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated pop vocal group surprised industry and fans alike when they announced their new name, new project and new musical direction – Avalon Worship.

Produced by Don Koch and released on Red Street Records, the project – Avalon Worship – reflects who they are as individuals as well as a worship collective.

Avalon Worship includes both original recordings as well as worship covers of some of the most well-known songs sung in churches every weekend, all carried by the group’s signature, powerhouse vocals.

Greater Vision in studio this week

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STAFF WITH INFORMATION FROM DAYWIND RECORDS

Greater Vision has been in the studio this week working on orchestrations for a forthcoming project. It’s a Trey Ivey arrangement.

Little is known about the final project, but we know they got the brass section recorded earlier.

We’ll look forward to a new project down the road from Greater Vision.

Listen for the group’s latest release, “You Are My King,” on Texas Gospel Canada!