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Southern Gospel’s Enduring Mission: Dealing Hope Through Music

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JEFF TURNER

In an era marked by uncertainty and division, one musical tradition continues to reach beyond generational boundaries. Southern Gospel music, with its roots in American Christian culture, maintains a singular focus: providing hope to those who need it most.

Clint Brown of Southbound says the purpose of Southern Gospel goes far beyond entertainment or even worship—it represents a calling to serve. It encourages the world.

“If there’s anything that I believe is a standard for Southern Gospel, it’s the fact that we are hope dealers. I mean, it just is,” Brown explains. “You know, whether it’s, I’m getting up in age and I’ve got something to look forward to, whether it’s Jason Crabb saying, ‘Through the fire, God will keep you.’ No matter what it is, whether it’s Ronnie Henson 50 years ago saying, ‘You know but when you’re in a place where you’re unsure and don’t know how to get out of, there’s always a lighthouse. I think Southern Gospel has always been hope dealers.”

Rather than accidentally stumbling into themes of encouragement, our artists and songwriters deliberately work to serve those facing life’s inevitable challenges. Brown’s reference to aging listeners finding “something to look forward to” is true. The lyrics address universal human experiences.

Contemporary artist Jason Crabb’s message of God’s protection “through the fire” carry the same idea of Ronnie Henson’s lighthouse offering guidance to the lost and uncertain.

We hope the music you hear on Texas Gospel is an encouragement to listeners. Perhaps not every song speaks to you. But at lest some of the time.

Sing along to Mark Bishop’s “Now Lazarus Can Sing”

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 18, 2025) — Southern Gospel music favorite and GRAMMY-nominated Mark Bishop is known for being a conscientious and inspired songwriter whose unique way of looking at things has led to powerful affirmations of faith and salvation.

Now, Bishop has released a lyric video for his latest release, “Now Lazarus Can Sing,” highlighting the craftsmanship he brings to each song he writes.
“I was watching the news as someone was being ushered through a bunch of shouting reporters, trying to get information from him,” Bishop recalls. “His people led him to a waiting car where he jumped in, and they took off. My songwriter brain kicked in, and for some reason I began to wonder about the story of Lazarus and the questions people would have lined up for hours to ask him.

“He had seen it. And he was standing right here in front of them. How could you not ask him what it was like? I’m sure what he saw was beyond description.”

“Just as important as what he saw… what about how he felt? He was a recipient of perfect love. He lost all of his worry… his doubt… his regrets… everything negative.

“He was no doubt the most changed man in the history of the world.

“And maybe,” the singer-songwriter concludes, “… just maybe… he brought back some other traits… a little bit of residue from heaven. That’s what this song is about; how heaven rubbed off on Lazarus.”

Watch the “Now Lazarus Can Sing” lyric video above and stream it HERE.

Living Attentively Through the Holy Spirit

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FLOYD ROGERS

When we speak to someone about a matter that deeply affects them, it’s only natural to expect their full attention. In the same way, whenever God communicates with us, it is always about something meaningful and personal. His words are never without purpose, and because of that, He deserves our complete focus.

Living a life guided by the Holy Spirit means staying open and attentive to God’s voice. It requires keeping our hearts and minds tuned in, ready to hear Him however He chooses to speak. This is not meant to be rare or unusual. For those who follow Christ, it should be the normal way of life — always alert, always listening.

My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 10:27

Holding to Truth: McKamey Legacy Revives Southern Gospel Sound

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 17, 2025) — Few tasks are more difficult in the world of music than striking the right balance between embracing the legacy of a great artist and using it as the foundation for a new generation of music. Summoned into a musical ministry by their own devotion to the canon of Southern Gospel’s beloved McKameys, McKamey Legacy â€” Ruben and Peg McKamey Bean’s daughter, Connie Fortner, her husband Roger and son Eli â€” first drew praise for their ability to blend the old and new in 2022 with their self-titled debut for Horizon Records. Now the trio announces with Holding to Truth, another offering that both extends and renews the familiar McKameys sound.

The album is now available for pre-save/add ahead of its August 1 release.

With homespun yet well-crafted backing on guitars, bass and drums by Roger and Eli, supplemented with just a few additional touches from pianists Jeff Collins and Tyler Vestal, Josh Swift (dobro), acclaimed fiddler Andy Leftwich and legendary multi-instrumentalist David Johnson, Holding to Truth keeps its focus squarely on the signature blend of voices and the enduring Gospel messages they deliver. Indeed, from the opening “To God It’s Nothing New” and its assertive vocal, upbeat energy and powerful theme:

We are always in God’s protection, even in the darkest night
Just when everything goes wrong, He can make it right
Though the winds of the world blow strong and clouds obstruct our view
We are safe in His shelter, to God it’s nothing new 

it’s clear that Holding to Truth is perfectly named.

“We are so excited for our new project to be released,” the trio enthuses. “We believe we have a great variety of songs that will help and encourage all who listen. The songs are brand new, with only a couple of older McKamey songs. The styles range from upbeat, to ballad—to even some bluegrass—but they all have a message of Hope for today.  

“We were also blessed to bring the rest of the original group back (The McKameys) to record a song with us. In reminiscing on God’s goodness through the years, we were reminded we are not home yet and there is still work to do…go tell the Gospel story and carry on. We pray that McKamey Legacy continues doing this in this project and in our ministry and that you will be encouraged and blessed.”Pre-save/add Holding to Truth HERE.

About McKamey Legacy
McKamey Legacy is a family trio from Clinton, Tennessee that came to be after 39 years of full-time touring with the rest of their family, The McKameys. After that group retired in 2019, and after much prayer, group members Connie Fortner (Ruben and Peg’s daughter), her husband, Roger Fortner and their son, Elijah Fortner felt the call from God to continue the legacy of their family and they began traveling and singing again in 2021 as McKamey Legacy. The group will be touring on a part-time basis, performing songs that were loved and most requested from their McKamey days as well as some new songs that fit their message. Sharing the Gospel in song to a lost world and sharing the message of hope to discouraged Christians is their goal, following God in everything that they do and bringing Glory to God in all things done by them.

Legacy Five Bids Farewell to Bass Singer Matt Fouch After 13 Years

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JEFF TURNER

After more than a decade of providing the foundational low end for Legacy Five, Matt Fouch has announced his departure from the acclaimed Southern Gospel group. The decision marks the end of a significant chapter for both Fouch and the quartet, which recently celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary.

Fouch’s tenure with Legacy Five spanned 13 years, during which he established himself as a reliable and consistent presence in the group’s lineup. His announcement comes following extensive discussions with group leader Scott Fowler about touring demands and the future direction of his career.

A Commitment Fulfilled

The timing of Fouch’s departure was carefully considered. Both he and Fowler had previously committed to seeing the group through its landmark 25th anniversary year—a goal that held special significance for the veteran ensemble.

“We’ve had many conversations on the bus about tour and scheduling,” Fouch explained. “We made the commitment to go through the 25th year. That was a special year. It was really cool to do that.”

The decision to leave wasn’t made hastily. Just weeks after the anniversary milestone, Fouch approached Fowler with his final decision. “I went to Scott and just said, I think my time is up. I fulfilled my commitment through the 25th year and then some, but have made the decision to stop traveling.”

A New Chapter in Real Estate

Fouch’s departure from full-time touring comes as he transitions into a thriving real estate career. The bass singer credits divine providence for opening doors in this new professional venture, allowing him to step away from the demanding travel schedule that defines life in a touring gospel group.

“God has really blessed some efforts in real estate career to be able to just easily transition into just doing that and not being on the road for this season of time,” Fouch shared. While he remains uncertain about future musical endeavors, his immediate focus will be on this new career path.
Family Considerations.

Perhaps the most telling confirmation of his decision came from an unexpected source—his children. When Fouch informed his sons about his departure from Legacy Five, their response provided the validation he needed.

“When I told my boys, they were kind of quiet for a second and then Kingston said, ‘So does that mean you get to spend more time with us?'” Fouch recalled. “And it was like, okay, that’s good choice is the right time.”

This moment underscored what many touring musicians grapple with—the balance between career demands and family life. For Fouch, the opportunity to be more present for his children became a decisive factor in his transition away from the road.

Looking Forward

As Legacy Five prepares to move forward without Fouch’s familiar bass foundation, the group faces the challenge of finding a replacement who can match both his musical contributions and professional reliability. The departure of any long-term member inevitably brings change, but Legacy Five’s quarter-century of experience navigating the gospel music landscape positions them well for this transition.

For Fouch, the future holds the promise of a different kind of success—one measured not in miles traveled or stages performed upon, but in time spent with family and growth in a new professional arena. His 13-year journey with Legacy Five represents not just a career phase, but a significant contribution to the ongoing legacy of Southern Gospel music.

The Southern Gospel community extends its best wishes to Matt Fouch as he embarks on this new chapter, while Legacy Five continues their musical mission with renewed focus and the enduring impact of his faithful service over more than a decade.