Category: Top articles

Understanding the Message of ‘Dear Lord’ by Darin & Brook Aldridge

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

WILLIAM DESJARDINS

Darin & Brooke Aldridge’s song “Dear Lord” has reached #4 on The Singing News Bluegrass Chart for November. The song’s lyrics echol the message of 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle Paul writes about his “thorn in the flesh” and God’s response: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“It’s kind of just a prayer almost,” says Darin Aldridge about the song. “It’s just talking and coming and humbly asking the Lord for His help and guidance, like we always do.” He explains that each verse continues this prayer format.

Brooke Aldridge explains the song’s main message. “God will bring you out of anything that you’re ever going through,” she said. She adds that the song reminds listeners to include God in their daily activities.

“We all go through those times and really should hit our knees more every day,” she says.

The song’s connection to Paul’s biblical account is clear. While Paul’s prayers for relief weren’t answered as he hoped, the text suggests his thorn in the flesh served a purpose. Similarly, the Aldridges’ song discusses how faith can help during difficult times.

“This song definitely speaks to people,” Brooke notes, pointing to its message about God’s help during challenges.

The Kingdom Heirs’ Chris Bryant Finds Perfect Harmony Between Career and Family Life

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

For Chris Bryant, lead singer of The Kingdom Heirs, the sweet sounds of Southern Gospel have always been part of his DNA. Growing up in a pastor’s home and watching his grandparents traverse the country sharing their musical ministry, Bryant seemed destined to follow in their footsteps. However, he’s found a unique way to blend his passion for Gospel music with something equally precious – time with his family.

As the frontman for Dollywood’s resident Gospel group, Bryant has achieved what many traveling musicians only dream of: a stable performance schedule that allows him to return home every night to his wife Rachel and their new baby.

“This is the best of both worlds,” Bryant says, reflecting on his current role with The Kingdom Heirs, a group that has been Dollywood’s house Gospel band since 1986. The journey to this sweet spot in his career wasn’t immediate. Bryant previously toured with the Kingsmen quartet, experiencing the demanding schedule typical of traveling Gospel groups.

“I remember traveling with the Kingsmen quartet. They’re a great group, great group of guys, but we were home three to four weekends a year. That was it,” Bryant recalls. The grueling schedule of a touring musician is a familiar story in the Gospel music industry, where performers often sacrifice time with loved ones to share their ministry across the country.

The Kingdom Heirs’ story begins in 1971, the group started like many others, performing in local churches and concert halls. Their breakthrough came in 1982 when they began performing at what was then Silver Dollar City theme park, now known as Dollywood. Four years later, they secured their position as the park’s official Gospel ensemble.

For Bryant, joining The Kingdom Heirs represented more than just a prestigious position with a legendary group – it offered a chance to maintain his musical ministry while preserving precious family moments. After leaving the road life behind, he briefly ventured into solo performances, which allowed more schedule flexibility. But when the opportunity to join The Kingdom Heirs presented itself, the decision was clear.

“When this was available, there was no brainer for me,” Bryant explains. “If you wanna sing and you love to sing, you love this music, this is a chance to get to do it, but still have a family life, still get to have other things that are important to you. And honestly, I don’t know how anyone would ever walk away from this job.”

In an industry where time on the road often means sacrificing family life, Bryant’s story represents a modern evolution in Gospel music careers. His position with The Kingdom Heirs at Dollywood proves that sometimes the best path forward isn’t always found on the open road, but rather in finding that perfect harmony between passion and presence at home.

High Road’s Sarah Davidson Welcomes Baby After Five-Week Hospital Stay

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Sarah Davidson, member of the beloved gospel group High Road, has welcomed her daughter into the world after spending five challenging weeks in the hospital. Ruth Ann Randolph arrived on Thursday evening, November 14th, weighing 5 pounds, 5 ounces.

During her hospital stay, Davidson remained optimistic despite the difficulties of extended medical care. “It’s been so hard to be cooped up in this place, but I know it’s the right place that I need to be,” she shared.

Sarah expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support throughout her journey, noting the significance of prayers offered for her and her baby.

While medical staff had hoped to delay the baby’s arrival, little Ruth Ann had different plans. The successful delivery marks the end of Davidson’s five-week hospital stay and the beginning of her journey into motherhood.

Gospel Music Legend LaVerne Tripp passes away Friday

Published on by Texas Gospel2 Comments

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

LaVerne Tripp, a renowned figure in the world of Gospel Music, passed away peacefully on Friday. His legacy spans nearly 60 years of touching lives with his soulful voice and heartfelt songs. Known to audiences worldwide since 1973, LaVerne’s impact on Gospel music is immeasurable.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, his son Terry Tripp shared the news of his father’s passing: “Dad is at rest. A life well lived… well-loved… well left..! He went peacefully in my arms. No struggle… no suffering. I trust this video honors his life and legacy. I am forever grateful.”

LaVerne was born on April 11th, 1944, in Chocowinity, North Carolina. His musical journey began at the tender age of two and a half, and his passion for singing only grew stronger over the years. As a student, he sang at local churches and joined various groups such as The Rangers Quartet, Sierras, Jubilee Quartet, and Palmetto State Quartet.

In 1968, LaVerne joined the Blue Ridge Quartet as their lead singer. His exceptional songwriting and singing skills helped propel the group to new heights. The Blue Ridge Quartet enjoyed six consecutive years of soaring popularity, largely thanks to LaVerne’s contributions. Three of his songs became #1 hits: “I Know” (recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys and The Blue Ridge), “That Day Is Almost Here,” and “After Calvary.”

In 1974, with his wife Edith by his side and their two sons, Robb and Terry, LaVerne left the Blue Ridge Quartet to pursue evangelism through music and preaching. Their journey took them from Spartanburg, SC, to Orange County, CA, where they joined the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in 1979.

LaVerne Tripp’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, musical excellence, and heartfelt ministry. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and were touched by his music.

LaVerne Tripp was 80.

High Road’s Sarah Davison Shares the Story Behind “There’s A River”

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

In an exciting collaboration that bridges some of gospel music’s finest talents, High Road’s latest track “There’s A River” brings together songwriting powerhouses Kenna Turner West and the Isaacs sisters, Sonya and Becky.

Sarah Davison, excited to share the story behind the song, recounts the moment she first learned about the collaboration. “Everyone knows that the Isaacs are some of the most talented people in the whole gospel world,” Davison explains. “I love their songwriting and I love their singing so much.”

The opportunity came when songwriter Kenna Turner West approached Davison with an intriguing proposition. “When Kenna Turner West came to me and said, ‘I have this song that I wrote with Sonya and Becky,’ I said, ‘Sonya and Becky, Isaacs?'” Davison recalls. Upon confirmation, she knew she had to hear the song.

The result didn’t disappoint. “There’s A River” has emerged as one of the most dynamic tracks on High Road’s latest album. “It’s probably one of the fastest, most upbeat songs on the album and it’s so much fun to sing,” Davison shares enthusiastically.

The collaboration brings together some of Gospel Music’s most respected talents in one spirited recording.