Category: Top articles

Steve Ladd celebrates two years as solo artist with new Christmas single and family milestones

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Southern Gospel artist Steve Ladd is wrapping up another eventful month filled with ministry opportunities, studio work, and precious family moments as he approaches the two-year mark of his return to solo artistry.

Steve Ladd · Michael Booth · Ronnie Booth The Trouble With Me ℗ 2025 Big Picture Records

Ladd spent early October in South Carolina, where he provided music for a four-night community revival series. The unique event featured services at a different church each evening, and Ladd expressed gratitude for both the spiritual atmosphere and the warm hospitality he received. “We were so blessed by not only the services, but also the hospitality of such a sweet bunch of people,” Ladd shared in his recent newsletter update.

The artist made a trip to Nashville this month for a special recording session with his son, Haven Ladd. The collaboration resulted in a new Christmas single titled “No Other Child,” set to release on all streaming platforms November 28th.

Haven, who graduated from Belmont University this past summer with a degree in music production, served as producer for the track. “He truly outdid himself on this one,” the proud father noted. Haven teamed up with Steve’s wife, Maegan, to provide background vocals for the recording.

Between travel and recording commitments, Ladd has been savoring time with his grandchildren. Recent highlights include watching grandson Odin start eating baby food and granddaughter Ari losing her two front teeth just in time for the holiday season. The family enjoyed Halloween festivities together, with Ladd sharing that the grandchildren “bring more joy than they will ever know.”

Ladd closed out the month with a trip to West Virginia, where he visited his brother Johnny. Even the family dog, Toby, was excited about the reunion, though Ladd jokes that the frequent travel may be starting to wear on his canine companion.

As he approaches U.S. Thanksgiving and marks two years since returning to solo ministry, Ladd expressed amazement at how his career has been blessed. “God has been so good to us,” he reflected, noting that supporters who pray for his family remain at the top of his gratitude list.
Steve acknowledged his struggle with timely newsletter updates and jokingly suggested making more consistent communication a New Year’s resolution.

An update on Caleb Banks of Phillips & Banks

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

In recent weeks, the Phillips & Banks family has leaned heavily on their faith and community as Caleb Banks faces a difficult turn in his health journey.

Caleb has been battling end stage kidney disease, a reality that has become increasingly challenging due to multiple complications.

The group and their loved ones deeply appreciate the outpouring of prayer and support from friends, fans, and fellow believers, asking for continued compassion and privacy as they navigate these changes.

Caleb spoke in May about his health challenges saying despite these struggles, he had, “…experienced the grace of God and the faithfulness of God like I never had before. It’s funny when we walk through these trials and things, we have to trust the Lord with things that we’ve never had to before. And not once has he ever left me and once has he ever forsaken me. And I don’t believe that he ever will. I know the Lord is good and that he’s working all things for my good. And I want to encourage you, he’s doing the same thing for you today.”

His wife made a Facebook post Friday with an update:

Caleb’s kidneys are not bouncing back as they should, and there doesn’t seem to be any real hope of improvement in the future. This is just the reality of end stage kidney disease. His creatinine, BUN, and GFR have all worsened significantly. Unfortunately, between the bad infection in his leg, and the strong antibiotics that were necessary to treat it, Caleb’s kidneys were not able to recover as we’d hoped. We found out yesterday morning, right after I posted the update, that Caleb was at the point of needing dialysis. We were so discouraged and disappointed, but the Lord has been so sweet and gentle with us over the last 24 hours. I am resting in the fact that He is in complete and total control. Praise the Lord for a way to keep Caleb, and so many others as healthy as possible for as long as possible!!

As of about 8:55 this morning, (11/14) Caleb has been wheeled back to have his dialysis port installed. He will stay in the hospital for a few more days to receive his first rounds of treatment, and then be discharged with a referral to a dialysis center. Please pray for Caleb, as this is obviously a massive life change. We are clinging to God’s word for encouragement.

🔴I do ask that you please continue to respect our privacy during this time and refrain from texting or calling to get updates. While we greatly appreciate your prayers and your encouragement, I am so overwhelmed, as is Caleb. Like always, I will post any significant updates here!

As Caleb begins this next chapter of treatment, the family remains anchored in hope, trusting that God’s strength will continue to carry them through each new step.

Foresters announce passing of Mark Forester

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

Mark Forester, co-founder and patriarch of the Nashville-based Southern Gospel group The Foresters, has passed away. Mark, who served as vocalist, pianist, and guitarist for the family band, had dedicated more than two decades to full-time Christian music ministry alongside his wife Andrea and sons Tyler and Trevor, touching countless lives across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The Foresters have been a fixture in Christian music circles for 24 years. Over that time, the family band released 42 recordings, held more than 110 concerts annually, and saw all five of their radio singles chart in the top 80 on the Singing News national charts.

Mark’s leadership and production work, including on their most recent project “Calling You Home,” helped establish The Foresters as a top 10 nominated band by readers of Singing News Magazine.

The Foresters announced his passing with this Facebook post:

These past few days have been overwhelming, and I hardly know where to begin. I wanted to reach out with as much care and respect as possible as we acknowledge Mark’s passing and navigate this difficult moment together.
We are taking one day at a time right now. Our hearts are heavy — for ourselves and for Mark’s family. We truly wished his story could have been different, and that he could have found the healing and help he needed.
This is not the ending we ever expected or prepared for. The struggles that came into Mark’s life were heartbreaking and difficult, and we had always hoped for a better road ahead for him.
I have met with the funeral home and have taken care of the arrangements for him to be sent back to Michigan, where he will be laid to rest beside his father.
While there are many questions that cannot be answered right now, the boys and I are taking care of what must be handled as we move forward.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (KJV)
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
The boys have stood with me through every step of this, and I am so thankful for their strength and the help they have given me.
I would also appreciate your prayers — that God would give me wisdom, clarity, and peace as I work to close out the details before us and set up life for my boys. There is so much to care for, and I am relying on His strength daily.
We will continue to thank the Lord for His goodness, for the grace He has given, for His faithful provision, and for the hope that is in Him. It is the prayer of my heart — and the boys’ as well — that our lives would honor the Lord in every way, and that even in the midst of this struggle, others would see the Savior.
Faithful. Focused. Following Christ. – That is our desire.
Thank you, always, for your love, support, and the blessing you have been to us.

Stephen Forester, Mark’s brother, said, “The Lord saw Marks deep pain and He mercifully took him home . Romans 8:1”

Mark asked that the family be given space in this time of pain.

A private family service will be held.

but we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8

Eighteen Mile shares new song about Biblical story and personal faith

Published on by Texas Gospel1 Comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Mountain Home Music Company artist Eighteen Mile has released their second single after finding success with their first release. The young five-member group put out “Above The Clouds” in September, and that song has reached the top of the Bluegrass Today Gospel chart multiple times. Now they have followed up with “What Mercy Means.”

Carson Aaron, who plays multiple instruments for the band, wrote the new song and performs the lead vocals. He said the song came from thinking about a story in the book of Exodus, chapter 34, where Moses went up Mount Sinai to meet with God.

What Mercy Means ℗ 2025 Mountain Home Music Company Released on: 2025-11-14

Aaron explained that the Bible describes the mountain as dark and frightening during that meeting. The text mentions earthquakes and thunder happening because God was present there. He wanted his song to express the contrast between a powerful and holy God meeting with a person who is not holy.

The song connects that ancient story to Aaron’s own life. He said that as a person who has sinned, he deserves punishment when standing before a holy God. However, he experiences mercy from God each morning instead.

The song features musical work from fiddler Savannah Aaron, who plays a thoughtful melody line. Sometimes she plays alone, and other times banjo player Jack Ritter joins her with quieter accompaniment. Ritter and Emily Guy provide harmonies that support the chorus Aaron wrote.
Andy Leftwich produced “What Mercy Means,” just as he did with the previous single. Leftwich is known for his work playing fiddle and mandolin. The song fits within the tradition of bluegrass gospel music that has been popular for many years.

People can now listen to “What Mercy Means” on streaming services. The song is available in Dolby Atmos spatial audio format on Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL and throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada.

Wilson Banjo Co. releases new song about heaven and belonging

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Wilson Banjo Co. has put out a new single called “Heaven Is Your Hometown.” The song came out through Pinecastle Records and carries a message about faith and finding one’s true home in heaven.

Steve Wilson, who started the band, explained why the song matters to him. He said the opening line asks if people feel like strangers who do not fit in. Wilson said this lyric affected him deeply when he first heard it. He believes the song will connect with many other people as well.

The songwriters Mitch Townley and Andrew Scott Wills wrote about the feeling of wanting to reach a place of peace and belonging. For Christians, this speaks to the biblical teaching that earth is temporary and heaven is the eternal home believers will share with God. The lyrics offer comfort through faith-based images and the hope of reunion with loved ones in heaven.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Heaven Is Your Hometown · Wilson Banjo Co. Heaven Is Your Hometown ℗ 2025 Pinecastle Records Released on: 2025-11-14

Cal Mathews sings the lead vocals on the track. Steve Wilson and Melanie Wilson provide harmony vocals. The musicians on the recording include Steve Wilson on banjo, Jason Fraley on mandolin, Richard Bennett on guitar, Glen Crain on resonator guitar, Leona on fiddle, and Jaime Carter on bass.

The band is working on their next studio album, which will come out in 2026. Steve Wilson leads the creative direction for the group. This year, their previous release called “Lonely As It Gets” performed well on the charts. The collection reached the number one position for several weeks on the Contemporary Bluegrass Album Chart. It stayed in the top ten for 33 weeks in 2025. The release also produced multiple songs that reached number one on the Roots Music Report Contemporary Bluegrass Song Chart.

Wilson Banjo Co. plans to keep making music that reflects their established sound. People can find more information about the band and their releases at http://www.wilsonbanjo.com. The band also maintains a presence on social media platforms. Listen for this and other Gospel music from Wilson Banjo Co on Texas Gospel Canada!