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Impact of AI on Southern Gospel Music

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JEFF TURNER

Leading music publishers from the southern gospel genre recently met to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence or AI on songs, songwriters and song demos within the industry. The meeting was said to be highly productive. Rick Shelton, Vice President of Daywind Music Publishing sums up their thoughts.

“It’s my personal belief that songs intended to reach souls with the Gospel must becreated by souls who are living in relationship with Jesus. If the angels can’t sing the songs of the redeemed, how can we allow algorithms to write the songs of the redeemed?” Said Shelton.

The consortium agreed on several key points:

1- The songs promoted should reflect the heart and efforts of human creators.

2- The integrity of the songwriting and pitching process must remain beyond reproach, applying equally to both music and lyrics.

3- The intended use of AI is never to create the lyric or melody itself, but rather to provide a demonstration of what the original song sounds like.

4- To alleviate concerns artists may have regarding the originality of the songs submitted for their consideration, the publishers are willing to provide a signed statement with each submission, affirming its authenticity.

Furthermore, the publishers said they were committed to an on-going dialogue and education with the songwriters they represent regarding recognition of ethical boundaries.

Members of this committee are Rick Shelton of Daywind Music Publishing, Greg Bentley and Chris White of Crossroads / Chris White Music, Regi Stone and Randy Cox of Blank Slate Music, Joel Lindsey of Sunset Gallery Music and Dave Clark of Sunday Best Music.

Gospel Music Community Mourns the Loss of Garry Jones

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JEFF TURNER

The gospel music world is grieving the loss of one of its most respected musicians and producers. Garry Jones, an award-winning artist, passed away on Sunday evening, April 27, after a brief battle with metastatic cancer. He was 62 years old.

Jones built a long and celebrated career in gospel music, first gaining national attention as a member of the Pensacola, Florida-based group, the Dixie Echoes. However, it was his work with the renowned Gold City Quartet that left a lasting mark on the genre.

Daniel Riley of Gold City reflected on the deep influence Jones had on the group’s legacy. “I credit Gary Jones with creating the iconic Gold City sound,” Riley said. “As he started getting into producing the group in the latter part of the 80s, it became very popular. Sound that was different than what everybody else was doing.”

Jones’ impact on Gold City continued for many years, with Riley sharing personal memories of their time together. “The last time I’d seen Gary was when we were inducted into the gospel music hall of fame. He came to that, you know, I hadn’t talked to him, he’d moved to Texas and, you know, we lost touch.”

The connection between Jones and the group was renewed when Josh, a former member of Mercy’s Mark—a group Jones had also been part of—joined Gold City. Riley explained, “Josh had stayed in touch with him. And when Josh came with us, it sort of opened that dialogue again.”

This renewed relationship eventually led to Jones returning to work with Gold City once more. “We got to thinking and I talked to Michael Sykes who started this record with us. Where we are right now, we just thought, you know, if we could get Gary in here. And Michael’s like, man, that’s the perfect fit for where you guys are.”

Riley expressed how meaningful it was to see Jones return to the work he loved. “It’s just another cool story of how Gary got back involved. He was in a place in his life that he needed this. He had sort of gotten away from the production and all that. And when he got involved, he really got involved.”

Jones’ career extended beyond Gold City. He was also remembered for his time with The Old Friends Quartet and Canton Junction. Notably, he was a founding member of both Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, as well as Mercy’s Mark.

At this time, funeral arrangements for Mr. Jones have not yet been finalized. The family has asked for prayers and support in the difficult days ahead.

The Chuck Wagon Gang Welcomes New Bass Player Ronnie Parker

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JEFF TURNER

The Chuck Wagon Gang, one of gospel music’s longest-running groups, has announced a new addition to their band. Ronnie Parker has joined as their new upright bass player. Many talented musicians applied for the role, but Ronnie’s skills and experience made him stand out.

Ronnie Parker was raised in a musical family and picked up the upright bass at just ten years old. By the age of 13, he was already playing professionally with the bluegrass gospel band, New Highway. His early start and deep roots in gospel and bluegrass music made him a perfect fit for The Chuck Wagon Gang.

The group is working on a new project. Shaye Smith spoke about the special sound that fans have come to love and how it’s created both on stage and in the studio.

“Well, when we come into the studio, we still keep the acoustic guitar and the upright bass, which we use on stage when we sing live,” Smith explained. “But when we come in the studio, there are other instruments added that add to the thickness of the sound.”

She shared how subtle additions bring a new depth to their recordings. “There’s a little mandolin on a few of them, a little bit of fiddle. There’s a couple of songs with a little banjo on them, so that that gives a thicker texture, kind of helps pick it up a little bit.”

With Ronnie Parker joining the line-up and a fresh project in the works, The Chuck Wagon Gang continues to honour their rich history while adding new layers to their sound.

Gospel Singer and ‘Hee Haw’ Star Lulu Roman Dies at 78

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AMY TURNER

Lulu Roman, the beloved comedian, actress, and acclaimed gospel singer whose unmistakable presence lit up the long-running country music variety show Hee Haw, has died at the age of 78. Roman passed away on April 23, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington, where she had relocated seven months prior to be near her son, Damon Roman.

Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, Roman’s life story was one of resilience, reinvention, and grace. Raised in the Buckner Orphans Home in Texas after being born with a thyroid dysfunction in a Dallas maternity home, Roman faced daunting obstacles early in life. Yet she emerged as a vibrant performer, first captivating audiences as “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer” in Dallas nightclubs.

Her life took a pivotal turn when country star Buck Owens took notice of her natural comedic talent. In 1969, he recommended her for a role on CBS’s new country comedy program Hee Haw, where Roman quickly became a fan favorite. Her sharp wit and down-home humor enlivened recurring skits such as the All-Jug Band, the Culhanes of Kornfield Kounty, and Lulu’s Truck Stop. Roman would remain with Hee Haw from its premiere episode through its final syndicated broadcast in 1993, cementing her status as a staple of American television.

Beyond her work in comedy, Roman’s life was marked by personal trials and spiritual renewal. In the early 1970s, she battled drug addiction, resulting in a temporary absence from the show. It was during this difficult chapter that she experienced a profound Christian conversion, which would reshape both her personal and professional path. Roman redirected her career toward gospel music, ultimately releasing more than a dozen albums. Her emotive, untrained voice found a place in the heart of Gospel music lovers. She went on to earn a Dove Award in 1985 and an induction into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

Roman’s collaborations read like a who’s who of country and gospel music royalty. She recorded alongside Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, and George Jones, and her 2013 album At Last featured duets with several of these luminaries. She continued to perform and record well into her later years, also lending her talents to Compassion International, a humanitarian child-development organization.

Lulu Roman was 78.

Collingsworth Family Postpones Concerts Due to Health Emergency

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JEFF TURNER

A serious health emergency in the Collingsworth family has led to the postponement of several of their scheduled concert dates. The news was shared by Kim Collingsworth in a personal message to their followers, explaining the difficult situation they are currently facing.

Kim said, “Our grandson, Noah Collinsworth, Philip’s son, about Thursday or Friday started having respiratory difficulties and was taken to an ER.”

After initial treatment, Noah’s condition required further medical attention. “They did a little bit of treatment on him, ended up taking another trip to a different ER and long story short, he was admitted late Friday night early Saturday morning to the Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio,” Kim explained.

The young boy was diagnosed with asthma and viral pneumonia. Doctor’s said the viral pneumonia developed into bacterial pneumonia.

Kim went on to explain the family’s decision to reschedule upcoming tour dates. “Our reason for the postponing is because our son Philip, Phil and I, Phil is just absolutely necessary that he be here with his son in the hospital,” she shared.

Details about the rescheduled dates will be announced at a later time. Fans and supporters are asked to keep the family in their thoughts as they navigate this challenging period.