The Kingsmen have been captivating audiences for over seven decades. Since their inception in 1956, this quartet has become a cornerstone of Southern Gospel music.
Alan Kendall, the current emcee and baritone of The Kingsmen, has been working on a comprehensive book about the group’s history. In his own words: “I have been working on a book about the Kingsman and I have been working on it right about two years now. Whenever I could get the spare time to do it, it’s going to be called Decades of Music, Decades of Memories.”
This upcoming book promises to be a treasure trove of information for fans and music historians alike. Kendall explains: “We’re covering the back stories of about 120 Kingsman songs along with a brief history of the group that my friend David Murray contributed to to the book and then a whole bunch of other pieces of history of the Kingsman several photos this book is 367 pages long so we’re very excited about this book it should be coming out in the spring if not before so stay tuned for that.”
The book’s theme aligns with the group’s recent “Decades” music releases, emphasizing the importance of their extensive song catalogue. As Kendall notes, “So many of our alumni and Ray Dean Reese himself have said it’s all about the songs.”
The release date for the book has not yet been announced.
Exodus Southern Gospel‘s new song, Remember the Blood, was added to our airplay list this week. This title track from the Remember the Blood project draws inspiration from 1 Peter 1:18-19.
The verse reads, âKnowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.â This tells us of the sacrificial nature of Jesusâ death on the cross and emphasizes that humanityâs redemption and the forgiveness of sins were not bought with worldly possessions but with the precious blood of Christ.
The song is co-written by Sandy Bloemer and Susan Brady. Susan expressed the songâs essence with deep personal conviction: âWhat a way to begin this new year REMEMBERING, His precious Blood! As one of Christ’s recipients, I can comment firsthand!â
Brady also reflected on the significance of Jesusâ words at the Last Supper: âAt the Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus said to them, âDo this in REMEMBRANCE of me! Remember, My body that was broken (torn) for you! Remember my Blood, The cup of the New Testament which is shed for the remission of sins! The contents of that cup represented His blood and would soon be given for the sake of every soul to be redeemed.ââ
Remember the Blood invites listeners to reflect on the foundational truths of their faith. It challenges believers to consider the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to live in gratitude for the redemption offered through His blood.
Listen for Remember the Blood throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!
Texas Gospel Canada has brought fresh music to its playlist, adding 2nd Opinions by Masterâs Voice this week. This thought-provoking song, written by John Mark and Matthew Joseph, is part of the groupâs latest album, Immersed.
The song takes a serious look at how people often follow ideas that sound wise but have no foundation in scripture. The lyrics challenge these trends, pointing out that they come from what the writers call the âbook of second opinions.â
âWords that paint a pretty picture but you wonât find them in the scriptures / Thatâs âCause theyâre all from the book of second opinions,â the song begins. With lines like this, the song reminds listeners to discern carefully and turn to the Bible for real truth, not to popular sayings or personal preferences.
The song also calls out common phrases like âfollow your heartâ or âeverything happens for a reason.â While these may seem encouraging, the writers argue that they can mislead people if they donât align with biblical truth. As the lyrics warn: âThey say follow your heart where itâll lead you / Let that little voice inside you show the way / I guess the million-dollar question is at your heart or in the chest / âCause a heartâs been known to lead a fool astray.â
One of the songâs most powerful lines highlights the importance of depending on God: âIâve heard them say the Lord wonât give you anything you canât handle / But the truth is you canât handle anything without Him.â
The overall message is clear: itâs time to stop looking to temporary or misleading sources for wisdom and start focusing on Godâs Word. The chorus emphasizes this call: âHey, itâs high time we turned our interest / To Godâs word instead of Pinterest / And finally closed the book of second opinions.â
This song aligns beautifully with Proverbs 30:5, which says, âEvery word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.â Just as the song urges listeners to avoid unreliable sources, this verse reminds us of the perfection and reliability of Godâs Word.
The song serves as both a warning and a call to action in todayâs world, where truth is often replaced by whatâs popular or convenient.
HighRoadâs latest album, Straight From The Heart, brings together a collection of heartfelt songs and special collaborations. One of the standout tracks is âThereâs A River,â a song that features guest artist Jaley Roberts. Sarah Jaylee Roberts of High Road spoke about the experience of recording this song with her friend.
âWe got to sing this one with my friend Jaley Roberts. Sheâs also in a bluegrass group called Sister Sadie and I love Jaley singing and I love her heart for the old songs. So bringing her in on this project and especially this song is very special. Sheâs a dear friend and we loved singing it in the studio. Of course Ben Isaacs producing it so it has a little bit of flair to it that you would hear with bluegrass-y gospel music. So we hope you like it. Itâs called Thereâs a River.â
The song is a moving invitation for people to come to the river, a symbol of healing and renewal. The lyrics describe a place where living water flows freely, calling people to leave their burdens behind and find peace.
Daywind Records / Youtube: High Road. Songwriters: Kenna Turner West / Sonya Isaacs Yeary / Becky Isaacs Bowman Album: Straight From The Heart
âCome to the river, oh my sister If you want to be clean Run to the water, oh my brother If ya wanna wade into the healing stream.â
This idea reflects the message of baptism, but also of John 7:38, where Jesus says, âWhoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.â The song reminds listeners that faith can bring refreshment to their spirits, just like water brings life to a dry land.
The song continues with an image of leaving behind struggles and stepping into a new beginning.
âWe donât have to stay here dying in the desert Kick your shoes off, leave your burdens on the banks Take my hand now, friend, and weâll go in together Let the water wash our troubles all away.â
The bridge makes it clear that the invitation is open to everyone.
âWelcome saints, welcome sinners Welcome pros and I-canât-swimmers All ya really need to know Is all ya need is faith to float.â
This message of inclusion and grace is at the heart of the song. Whether someone feels strong in their faith or unsure of where they stand, the river is a place where all are welcome.
With Jaley Robertsâ beautiful voice and Ben Isaacsâ skilled production, the song blends the traditional sounds of bluegrass with gospel, creating a piece that is both classic and refreshing. âThereâs A Riverâ is more than just a song; it is an invitation to find healing, peace, and hope through faith.
Mark, chapter 16, verses 5-6, recounts a pivotal moment in Christian history. It tells of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus, carrying spices to anoint his body. Instead of finding him there, they were greeted by an angel who said, “He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.”
This declaration is central to the Christian faith. It signifies the fulfillment of Jesusâ promise to rise from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. The empty tomb has become a symbol of hope and victory for all who believe in Jesus as their saviour.
Sean Barber, Lead Singer courtesy triumphantquartet.com
This powerful message is echoed in the song âBig Ole Stoneâ by Triumphant Quartet. Sean Barber, a member of the group, describes the essence of the song: âYou know, if you believe that that grave is no longer full, that it’s empty, and that stone’s been rolled away, man, just lift your hands in victory. You’ve got hope. There’s better days coming. And this is your victory. And that’s the song in a nutshell.â
The song, featured on the groupâs God is Listening CD, has resonated deeply with listeners. Its message of triumph and hope is reflected in its current standing as the number 9 song on the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 list for this month.
For believers, the empty tomb is more than a historical momentâit is a reminder that victory is possible through faith. As Sean Barber says, âYouâve got hope. Thereâs better days coming.â This truth continues to inspire and uplift, bringing the message of Easter into the hearts of many.
Big Ole Stone (Victory) ¡ Triumphant Quartet God Is Listening â 2024 StowTown Records, LLC Released on: 2024-06-07
Mark 16 NASB: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might come and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, âWho will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?â And looking up, they noticed that the stone had been rolled away; for it was extremely large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. But he said to them, âDo not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, âHe is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.ââ And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.
Now after that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. And they went away and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them, either.” – NASB
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