Category: Top articles

Ernie Haase on Faith, Passion, and Authenticity in Gospel Music

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

For decades, Ernie Haase has been a familiar name in Gospel music. As tenor of Earnie Haase and Signature Sound and founder of StowTown Records, Haase has dedicated his life to sharing his faith through song. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on why he does what he does, the best advice he has ever received, and how he stays true to himself.

When asked about his motivation for singing Gospel music, Haase emphasized the importance of purpose. “Why I do what I do is because people need the gospel. They need to know that there is more to life than just living and dying and just trying to make it through another day another night,” he said. For Haase, music is more than entertainment—it is a way to share the message of faith and hope with others.

The wisdom passed down to Haase by his grandfather has also played a significant role in his journey. “Find something you love and you have passion for, and whatever you do in life, if you do that, you probably will never consider yourself working,” he recalled. This advice has shaped his career, helping him stay dedicated despite the challenges that come with life on the road. The love and passion for Gospel music have been his driving force, making the work feel less like a job and more like a calling.

Authenticity is another key aspect of Haase’s life and career. He believes that staying true to oneself requires reflection and prayer. “When you humble yourself and you kneel before the Lord, and you don’t come to him with any request as far as blessings, you come to him just as a servant, and you are totally transparent before him,” he explained. According to Haase, this kind of humility allows one to see what is truly aligned with faith and purpose.

When asked what three words he would share with a large audience, Haase’s answer was simple yet profound: “God is love.” He acknowledged that while this message may seem familiar, its true meaning is powerful. “When you feel the divine smile of God’s love on you, all earthly frowns are inconsequential,” he said.

Through his music and message, Ernie Haase continues to inspire Gospel music lovers. His dedication to faith, passion, and authenticity serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for sharing hope and love with the world

Dollywood Mainstays The Kingdom Heirs Announce Summer Tour Plans

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JEFF TURNER SR.

After 39 years of consistent performances at Dollywood, The Kingdom Heirs are changing things up in 2025. The group will mark their 40th consecutive year at the Tennessee theme park starting 14 March, but with an unexpected twist – they’ll be absent from the park for most of June and July.

Dennis Murphy of The Kingdom Heirs sees this schedule change as an opportunity. “We’re taking advantage of this situation by booking a limited summer tour which will be taking us to places we’ve been unable to visit for quite some time, especially up north,” Murphy explains.

The group plans to return to once regular stops on their performance circuit.

The Kingdom Heirs, who recently released their latest single “No Better Time” – the title track from their current album – are maintaining their strong connection with Dollywood despite this temporary absence.

For those interested in catching one of their summer performances, Murphy can be contacted directly at Dennis@kingdomheirs.com.

Anthem Edition’s New Gospel Album Promises Kept

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

2024 has proven to be a transformative year for Anthem Edition, the gospel quartet formerly known as The Old Paths. Following the success of their 2023 holiday album, Here Comes Christmas, the group has undergone changes, including the addition of tenor singer Cameron Edens, and the release of three singles: “Graveyard,” “Still Under His Feet,” and “Running.” The group’s latest project is Promises Kept and is released through Sonlite Records.

Tim Rackley, founding member and lead singer of Anthem Edition, says this album represents a meaningful milestone for the group. “This album is special to us,” said Rackley. “It marks the first time we’re making music together as a team with Cameron Edens and Andrew Utech, alongside our longtime brother, Doug Roark. These songs are a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness, and we can’t wait for you to experience the message of hope and promise we’ve poured our hearts into.”

The album opens with the energetic track “Every Promise Made Is a Promise Kept,” written by Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox. Featuring a country-inspired arrangement and lively quartet harmonies, the song’s lyrics introduces the album’s central theme of God’s steadfast faithfulness:

There’s never been a time that He’s not faithfulNever been a day His words aren’t trueNever been a moment that our God won’tDo just what He said He’d doHe’s never ever failed to keep one yetEvery promise made is a promise kept.

Roger Talley, the producer of Promises Kept, praised the group’s dedication and renewed energy during the project’s creation. “I thoroughly enjoyed producing this new EP for Anthem Edition,” Talley shared. “They approached this project with a renewed passion and more energy than they have ever had before. We found some great new songs to express their commitment to singing the Gospel with a new excitement that I can’t wait for you to hear. A unique feature of this project is the number of uptempo songs they have chosen. For anyone who has ever complained about too many slow songs, this project is for you!”

With Promises Kept, Anthem Edition builds on their storied history while embracing a new chapter with Edens and Utech as part of their lineup.

The Kramers: A Family’s Journey in Gospel Music Ministry

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JEFF TURNER

The Kramers have been sharing their faith through music for nearly three decades. Their journey began in 1995 when Scott and Rachel Kramer married and felt called to use their talents for God’s glory.

“They both had a calling on their lives to use their voices and abilities for God’s glory and began making music together,” says Maria Kramer Wolfe, their daughter and a member of the group.

The family’s commitment to their musical ministry deepened three years later when Scott and Rachel decided to pursue it full-time. Maria reflects on this decision, saying, “They went full-time in music ministry in 1998, and God has led them every step of the way!”

Since 2014, when the Kramers began traveling full-time as a family group, their musical style has evolved. Maria explains their approach to developing their repertoire:

“When we made our first ‘Kramers’ project entitled ‘Revive Us Again’, we did several hymns and gospel classics to give us a great foundation for singing live. When audiences are being introduced to a group, it’s helpful to share songs that are familiar.”

As they gained recognition, the Kramers began incorporating more original music into their performances. However, their core mission remained unchanged. “Our main goal when creating music is that it’s done with total excellence and brings glory to God. Even if a song is fun and upbeat, we want to make sure the message is applicable and biblical,” Maria emphasizes.

This month, the Kramers released their latest project, “Soli Deo Gloria.” This album represents two years of hard work and dedication. Maria shares their hopes for this new collection:

“Our newest project, ‘Soli Deo Gloria‘, is a collection of thirteen songs that we have worked on for two years. Our hope and prayer is for these songs to resonate in the hearts of many and carry people through all seasons of life, remembering that God is always with them, and He receives ALL the glory and praise!”

The project pairs the Kramers with multi-award winning producer/arranger Wayne Haun. He shared his sentiments about the recording:

“The Kramers are some of the only artists I know who can release an album and already have it be a success. Their single releases have already landed on some of the most loved editorial playlists around the world. Now we get to experience the entire recording, and that’s something to celebrate!”

The debut single, “There’s A Light Shining In Bethlehem,” was welcomed by radio stations nationwide and added to multiple editorial playlists throughout the Christmas season.

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records He Remembers My Sin No More · The Kramers He Remembers My Sin No More ℗ 2024 StowTown Records Released on: 2024-11-22

One standout track from the new album is “He Remembers My Sin No More”. This song, written by siblings Wendy Sightler Ferguson and Chad Sightler, holds a special place in the Kramers’ repertoire.

Maria reveals, “It’s a song we have known about for a couple years. We considered it for our last album, but the timing was meant for this one!”

The song’s message is deeply rooted a verse from Hebrews. Maria elaborates on its significance:

“‘He Remembers My Sin No More’ reminds us of the Scripture, ‘For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.’ Hebrews 8:12. The song is upbeat, catchy, and quick, but the message is worth celebrating. We are free because of Jesus’ payment on the cross, covering our sins, and giving us eternal life!”

For young families or musicians aspiring to start their own gospel music ministry, Maria offers simple yet profound advice: “Pray, pray, pray! It has to be God’s ultimate will, and He will lead and guide when you seek Him.”

Mark Trammell Reflects on 50 Years in Ministry with New Project

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JEFF TURNER

The Mark Trammell Quartet‘s latest project marks a milestone in southern gospel music. Celebrating Mark Trammell’s 50 years of singing Southern Gospel, the album revisits some of the most remarkable songs from his career. These songs familiar to long-time fans while also introducing new audiences to the tradition of southern gospel.

Provided to YouTube by TuneCore Can He Could He Would He · Mark Trammell Quartet Can He Could He Would He ℗ 2025 Crimson Road Productions Released on: 2025-01-01 Auto-generated by YouTube.

Mark Trammell shared his thoughts on the appeal of these classic songs. “There’s some great, great, great stuff back there in that day that we’re still gleaning from that today’s world thinks it’s brand new music. It’s not, it’s just 50, 60, 70 years old, that’s all,” he explained.

For Trammell, the value of revisiting these older songs is twofold. He appreciates the opportunity to perform music he knows deeply and believes in its ability to connect with people across generations. “The great part about that to me is I don’t have to learn new music as much. I can still sing songs that I know and I have lived long enough that we’re singing them and recording some of them again,” he said.

The project not only honours the legacy of Mark Trammell’s contributions to southern gospel music but is also a bridge between generations. With songs that have stood the test of time, the album celebrates both the past and the future of the genre.

Trammell says he is continually amazed by the response his ministry receives. “Here we are, a new generation that has so much to choose from and depict from when it comes to ‘entertainment’ or ‘ministry,’ and somehow I’m still in shock when people show up to hear us,” he added.

TRACK LIST OF THE 50 CD:

  1. Can He, Could He, Would He
  2. Dig A Little Deeper
  3. For What Earthly Reason
  4. Meet Me Over On The Other Side
  5. Too Much To Gain To Lose
  6. Pray
  7. Heavenly Parade
  8. Amazing Grace
  9. This Old House
  10. Does Jesus Care