Category: Top articles

Texas Gospel Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of James Easter.

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DAVID INGRAM

James Easter, a long-established name in Bluegrass Gospel Music, has passed away.

James was a Gospel musician, writer and minister.  He was a founding member of The Easter Brothers along with his brothers Russell and Edd. For more than six decades they sang Gospel music and recorded at least 22 albums. (Note: We’re confident The Easter Brothers recorded more, this accounting includes the ones in our Gospel music library.)

James was the father of Jeff Easter of Jeff and Sheri Easter.  Jeff announced his father’s passing on Facebook with a brief post saying, “A tired and weary soldier has fought the battle true, he now lays down his weapon, his fighting is all through.” Daddy is now resting in the arms of Jesus. Thank you for all of your prayers for our family.”

James’ death comes just under three years since the passing of Edd Easter, and a little more than a year since the passing of the elder Easter Brother Russell.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

James Easter taken to ICU with COVID-19

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David Ingram

James Easter of the Easter Brothers has been admitted to the ICU as he battles COVID-19 according to a statement released Tuesday by Daywind Records.

James is the father of Jeff Easter of Jeff and Sheri Easter. A post on their facebook page says, “Yesterday, they admitted our daddy, James, to the hospital because he tested positive for Covid. This morning, they are moving him to ICU so that he can get the best possible care. Through the years, we’ve witnessed thousands of benefits from collective prayer and we are asking this morning that you would join us in praying for him, for his healing, for his nurses’/doctors’ wisdom, for peace and strength. —Jeff and family”

An update from Jeff and Sheri says James’ wife Denise has also tested positive for COVID-19.

No other information has been released. Texas Gospel Canada will update this story as we learn more.

Family seeks prayer for Dianne Wilkinson

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Jeff Turner

The family of loved Southern Gospel songwriter Dianne Wilkinson says she is in “grave condition,” and asking for prayer according to a statement released Tuesday by Daywind Records. No other information was released by Daywind.

“Can I ask you all to say a prayer for a precious friend and co-writer I am privileged to have affectionally called MAMMA DI in my life? She is dear to so many. I am just one person touched by her amazing life. Her niece says she is close to seeing the Jesus she has been writing about all of these years… I LOVE YOU Dianne Wilkinson SO SO SO much,” said Donna King in a Facebook post.

Texas Gospel Canada will relay any further information released by Daywind.

Wilkinson has written Gospel songs since the 1970’s. Her first recorded song was “Behold the Lamb” Released by the Song Masters in 1976. She has received and been nominated for many top awards since then including Songwriter of the year, GMA song of the year and the BMI Award for most songs played in a given year.

Gaither Music Group Celebrates Gaither Vocal Band’s GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album

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PRESS RELEASE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 24, 2021) — GRAMMY® Award-winning Gaither Music artist the Gaither Vocal Band received a GRAMMY® nomination during yesterday’s announcements for Best Roots Gospel Album for their celebrated work That’s Gospel, Brother, produced by Gospel music legend Bill Gaither and the award-winning Gordon Mote. 

“We are honored to be nominated with such great talent,” stated Gaither. “Being honored by our peers always encourages and inspires us. I am blessed to be having as much fun as I have ever had writing, touring and recording with these guys. To enjoy what we do and to then be recognized alongside these excellent nominees makes the journey all the sweeter.”

Fresh off the heels of their 2021 GMA DOVE Award nominations surrounding the recording, the Gospel Music Hall of Famers have continued to raise the standard of benchmark harmonies with this release. That’s Gospel, Brother, featuring Gospel music pioneer Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb and Reggie Smith, has produced a Top 10 radio hit with “The Way (New Horizon)”; and their stirring rendition of the classic “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” instantly connected with listeners, garnering over 10 million video streams. 

Another highlight of the recording, which combines innovative renditions of classic favorites with signature versions of new songs, is a reimagined version of the Gaither classic “I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen,” which received a 2021 GMA DOVE Award nomination. Spotlighting not only their individual talents but their seamless group blends, the recording showcases several up-tempo selections that capture the quintet’s stage energy. 

The headline artist on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series and concert events, the group’s LIVE performances from the new recording have been featured on a DVD recording and as a TV special airing on PBS, Circle TV, TBN, RFD-TV, Gaither TV, TCT, Heartland and CTN with airings in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV. 

Founded and led by Gaither, the vocal group has spent the past 30 years touring and has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall among others. The Gaither Vocal Band’s soul-stirring music is featured regularly on the Gaither Radio on Pandora channel, the Gaither Radio on Amazon channel and on SiriusXM’s enLighten.

One of Gaither’s most celebrated copyrights “Because He Lives,” penned with his wife, Gloria, is featured on Alone With My Faith, by Harry Connick, Jr., and on My Savior, by Carrie Underwood, both of which are nominated in the same GRAMMY® category for Best Roots Gospel Album. Named Songwriters of the Century by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Bill and Gloria have celebrated this internationally-acclaimed song in 2021 as the year marks the 50th Anniversary of the work of art. The Gaither Vocal Band is currently performing on their Christmas tour, a complement to their new All Heaven and Nature Sing CD and DVD recording and TV special.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Garner 4th Career GRAMMY® Nomination for Keeping On

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PRESS RELEASE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 24, 2021) – Beloved vocal group, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, garnered their fourth career GRAMMY® nomination today. The members of The Recording Academy honored the talented ensemble’s release, Keeping On, with a nomination in the Roots Gospel category. This also marks Haase’s ninth GRAMMY® nomination individually. 

“To be honest, we are shocked,” says group founder, Ernie Haase. “At the same time, we are very honored to be nominated for a GRAMMY, once again. Being in the same category with the Gaither Vocal Band, The Isaacs, Carrie Underwood and Harry Connick, Jr. is just thrilling! On this Thanksgiving weekend, We have yet another blessing to be thankful for. We are so excited and grateful to still make a joyful noise to our Lord.”   

The project – garnering rave reviews from American Songwriter, Parade and more –  follows the album Something Beautiful, a tribute to the legacy of Bill and Gloria Gaither, which received a GRAMMY® nomination. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is also a GMA Dove Award-winning quartet, a radio favorite in the United States and internationally and a leader in CD sales and long-form music video sales with several RIAA(R)-certified Gold(R) and Platinum(R) DVDs. 

Keep up with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound by visiting ErnieHaase.com or connect with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Â