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The Inspirations announce upcoming album, kicking off their 60th year of music

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS MUSIC

Arden, North Carolina (January 23, 2024) — “As we begin a new year,” said The Inspirations’ Roland Kesterson, “our hearts are still fixed on the one goal that has been our motive since we started singing together—that motive being to continue the Legacy.”

With that goal in mind, the title for the new Horizon Records album by today’s edition of the long-lived quartet, The Legacy Continues, was a natural choice. And sure enough, the collection, now available for pre-save/add ahead of its March 15 release, offers convincing proof that the four young members (Kesterson, Luke Vaught, Wyatt Austin and Isaac Moore) have not only mastered The Inspirations’ ample catalog — Favorite New Artist honors (for Austin and Moore respectively) and Singing News Fans Award Album of the Year trophies in 2022 and 2023 alongside last year’s Favorite Artist award for the group already made that point — but have found the key to adding to that songbook with new songs that lend themselves to the classic Inspirations treatment.

From the opening nod to the past in “I’m Going That Way,” through an inspired retelling of one of the best-loved Biblical stories — “Come To The Well,” now making its way up the charts — to the closing celebration of the Resurrection, “Glory, Glory, Jesus Won,” The Legacy Continues is rich with echoes of The Inspirations’ sound from decades past, yet full of the excitement and vitality that come when young singers dive into tradition with fresh ears and open hearts.  

 “2024 marks a major milestone for the group,” notes Kesterson. “In April of this year, our group will celebrate 60 years of singing Gospel Music — and what a legacy that is! Sixty years ago, four young men gathered around Martin Cook’s piano and began to sing, with no idea of where God would take them. But they chose to honor Him, and in turn, God honored them. 

“In much the same way,” he continues, “it was four years ago that we all gathered around my old piano at my house and began to sing, just to see what it would sound like. None of us had a clue what God was going to do, but we all four chose to be completely submissive to God and let His Holy Spirit lead us — and He did. It has been and will continue to be our prayer and sincere desire to honor God in every way on and off stage — and with millions of miles traveled, 72 albums recorded, countless souls won and lives changed worldwide, we are honored to be carrying on this legacy!”

Listen for songs from The Legacy Continues on Texas Gospel Canada!

Change has come to The Kingsmen Quartet

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JEFF TURNER

The Kingsmen Quartet is starting 2024 with a new lineup.

Drew Laney left the Kingsman after a year and a half.

“We love Drew and again we wish him the very very best,” said baritone singer/stage manager Alan Kendall.

Brady Jones, 19, of Morgantown, Kentucky is taking the spot left open by Laney’s departure. He’s described as a gifted singer and a great musician.

“We met him when he was still in high school and his ability blew us away then, his drive blew us away and blows us away now,” said Kendall.

We’ll let you hear the new sound once their first release as a group is out.

Songwriter, producer Don Koch dies from cancer

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SPECIAL DAYWIND RECORDS

Songwriter, producer and co-founder of Red Street Records Don Koch has passed away. 

In 2022 Mr. Koch was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and a tumor in his brain. 

Koch wrote well-known songs such as “In Christ Alone” made famous by Michael English, the Christmas favorite “A Strange Way To Save The World” originally by 4-Him, “Mercy Came Running” from Phillips, Craig and Dean, and more.

Koch was recently nominated for a DOVE AWARD for co-writing “Child Of The King” performed by Joseph Habedank.  He co-wrote Jim & Melissa Brady’s current single, “Ever Present, Ever Faithful.” 

Don Koch made a significant impact on the sound of Christian music and will be missed.

Claude Hopper suffers heart attacks

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JEFF TURNER / INFO FROM DAYWIND RECORDS

Texas Gospel Canada has learned that Claude Hopper of the Hoppers has suffered two minor heart attacks and has an aneurysm.

The family released a statement that was forwarded to us from Daywind Records:

As we embrace this new year, new challenges often arise. For our family, the specific challenge has been the hospitalization of Pop (Claude). Over the last week, he has suffered two minor heart attacks and doctors have discovered an aneurysm. As always, Pop is in great spirits and working on his comedy routine with every unsuspecting healthcare worker! This is a new trial for us, but nothing surprises our God. We covet your prayers during this time.

UPDATED 17 JANUARY Dean Hopper gave us an update

Dean Hopper gave us the following news about Claude:

“We are treating it with medication, the doctors are at this point, but if he has another pain or episode, then we’re going back to the hospital and they are going to either do a bypass or try to stent the problem. It’s so narrow that the endosome could burst if that kind of pressure is put on it, but it’s restricting blood flow at the same time. All that to say, we covet your prayer. We give thanks to God for keeping my dad alive and pretty well. He’s at home kicking and screaming. He’s ready to get out, but right now he’s really taking it easy.”