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Gordon Mote’s “He Forgives and Forgets” Reminds Us of God’s Unmatched Mercy

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JEFF TURNER

In his song He Forgives and Forgets, Gordon Mote brings to life the powerful message of forgiveness and grace found in Hebrews 8:12, where God promises, “For I will be merciful toward their wrongdoings, and their sins I will no longer remember” (NASB). This verse is a profound reminder that God’s forgiveness is not only freely given but also complete — wiping the slate clean and offering us new hope.

Mote reflects on the uniqueness of divine forgiveness: “I think so many times we can maybe understand forgiveness, but forgetting is a whole different thing because we as humans are not really able to do that. So the fact that Jesus not only forgives our most horribleness, all the sin that we commit, and it’s every day, every minute, because we’re human. But Jesus is so good and so merciful, and what an incredible message.”

This contrast between human and divine forgiveness is essential to Mote’s message. While we may forgive, forgetting often remains a challenge. Memories of past mistakes can linger, even when we try to release them. However, God’s mercy goes beyond what we can imagine: when we repent, He not only forgives but also “remembers [our] sins no more.” God’s grace is a gift that continually assures us of His unwavering love and compassion.

He Forgives and Forgets offers a message of hope for anyone burdened by past mistakes, inviting listeners to let go of guilt and move forward with confidence in God’s mercy. It’s a reminder that, in God’s eyes, true repentance brings not only forgiveness but also a complete renewal. Through this song, Mote brings to light the transformative power of divine forgiveness and inspires us to embrace the freedom found in God’s grace.

LeFevre Quartet Signs with Daywind Records, Celebrates Milestone Year at National Quartet Convention

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AMY TURNER

The renowned Southern Gospel group, LeFevre Quartet, has entered a new chapter in their musical journey, announcing their signing with Daywind Records. This partnership comes after seven successful years with New Day Records, during which the group released four albums and earned multiple award nominations, including several #1 singles.

The signing was made official at the 2024 National Quartet Convention, a major event in the Southern Gospel music world. At the convention, the LeFevre Quartet also celebrated their nomination for the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Album of the Year, honoring their project Nobody Like Jesus. This double milestone marks a significant year for the group as they continue to build on their legacy in the Southern Gospel community.

The LeFevre Quartet, consisting of Mike LeFevre (Baritone), Jordan LeFevre (Lead), Jonathan Price (Tenor), Daniel Ashmore (Bass), and Channing Eleton (Pianist), has been performing for nearly two decades. Known for their tight harmonies, energetic performances, and dedication to sharing the message of hope through Gospel music, they have built a strong reputation within the genre.

With this new partnership with Daywind Records, the group looks forward to expanding their reach. Daywind Records, a prominent label in Southern Gospel, will offer the LeFevre Quartet opportunities to continue producing impactful music that resonates with fans worldwide. The collaboration is also seen as a homecoming, with the group’s connection to Daywind’s Director of Artist Relations, Dusty Wells, being a key part of their relationship.

Wells expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are signing the LeFevre Quartet to a new long-term contract. They have an incredible legacy of ministry and music, and I’m excited to work with them on new projects.” He also praised Mike LeFevre for his dedication and leadership within the group.

Mike LeFevre echoed the sentiment, calling the Daywind team “family” and expressing gratitude for the continued partnership. “We are thrilled and honored to renew our relationship with Daywind! They are not just a record company, but are family to us,” LeFevre said.

With plans already in motion for a new album set to release early next year, the LeFevre Quartet is poised to continue their mission of sharing Gospel music with new audiences and longtime fans alike.

For booking information, interested parties can contact the LeFevre Quartet via email at lefevrebooking@gmail.com or by phone at (706) 333-7171.

Gospel Music Stars Come Together for Benefit Concert to Support Hurricane Victims in North Carolina

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Amy Turner

A group of gospel music’s most iconic performers is joining forces for a special benefit concert aimed at raising funds for hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The event, set to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, NC, will bring together some of the genre’s biggest names, all volunteering their time and talents to aid those affected by the recent natural disasters.

The benefit concert will feature performances from gospel music’s beloved family, The Hoppers, the legendary Kingsmen Quartet, and The Inspirations, fan favorites from the Gospel Music Fan Awards. Other performers include The Littles, a family ensemble known for their harmonious sound, and Band of Brothers, along with some surprise guests expected to make an appearance throughout the night.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Hearts With Hands, a Christian humanitarian nonprofit based in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Founded by Ralph Sexton, the organization provides critical relief to communities in crisis, with a current focus on helping those in Western North Carolina recover from recent hurricanes.

The concert is also supported by the leadership of Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, which has generously opened its doors for the event. The collaboration between the artists and the church underscores the power of community and faith in times of hardship.

This event is set to be a remarkable show of solidarity from the gospel music world, as they come together to support those rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the devastating storms.

Finding Faith in the Harmony: The Unexpected Journey to Southern Gospel Music

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DAVID INGRAM

The path to loving Southern Gospel Music (SGM) often takes unexpected turns, leading listeners down surprising roads they never anticipated traveling. This genre, known for its distinctive harmonies and messages of faith, has a unique way of capturing hearts—even those who never imagined themselves as fans.

Take, for instance, the remarkable story of Vestal Goodman, one of Southern Gospel’s most iconic voices. While today she’s remembered as the “Queen of Southern Gospel Music,” her initial musical aspirations couldn’t have been more different. As a young woman in the 1940s, Vestal Freeman dreamed of becoming an opera singer. Yet fate had other plans. In 1949, she met Howard Goodman, and their marriage not only united their lives but also their musical destinies, leading Vestal to become an integral part of The Happy Goodman Family.

For Vestal, what began as a departure from her operatic aspirations transformed into a half-century dedication to spreading joy through gospel music. Her perspective on this journey was profound: “I want them to remember that that was a woman that loved God and loved to sing about Him,” she once said. “I want it remembered that I loved singing about Jesus and it’s happiness.” When she passed away on December 27, 2003, at age 74, she left behind a legacy that transcended musical genres, proving that the message matters more than the medium.

This transformation from unexpected beginnings to devoted appreciation for Southern Gospel Music is a common thread in many stories, and something I can relate to personally. I was a teenage radio enthusiast in 1982 and found myself without any connection to radio when my dad was transferred to San Antonio, Texas. Fresh from working at a soft rock station, I landed at KUKA radio as the station was transitioning to a Southern Gospel format. What could have been simply a job became an introduction to the rich musical tradition of groups like The Kingsmen, The Hemphills, and The Cathedrals. Through exposure to these artists and their music, what started as unfamiliar territory blossomed into genuine appreciation.

The Happy Goodman Family itself represents the evolving nature of Southern Gospel Music. Beginning in the 1940s, the group underwent numerous changes, weaving together the talents of eight Goodman siblings—Howard, Sam, Charles (Rusty), Bobby, Ruth, Eloise, Stella, and Gussie Mae. Today, their legacy continues through Goodman Revival, featuring Tanya Goodman Sykes, Michael Sykes, and Johnny Minick, as their appreciation of Southern Gospel Music spans generations.

What makes Southern Gospel Music so captivating to those who might not have grown up with it? Perhaps it’s the genuine emotion in the performances, the harmonies, or the unwavering focus on a message of hope and faith. Whatever the initial draw, many find themselves, like Vestal Goodman, discovering that the style becomes secondary to the message.

The Kingdom Heirs: Crafting Harmony Through Change

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DAVID INGRAM

For Southern Gospel veterans The Kingdom Heirs, 2023 brought unprecedented changes that would have rattled lesser groups. The Dollywood mainstays faced the daunting task of rebuilding nearly their entire front line within just six months, including three vocal positions and adding a new guitarist.

Yet their latest Sonlite Records release, “No Better Time,” stands as testament to the group’s resilience and musical depth. The album serves as both a continuation of their celebrated legacy and an exploration of new artistic territory, seamlessly blending their traditional roots with contemporary arrangements.

The collection of songs reflects this balance, with orchestral elements enriching songs like “Until Prayer Changes Me” while maintaining the quartet’s signature southern gospel foundation. The horn section on the title track adds a fresh dimension to their sound without overshadowing the group’s renowned vocal arrangements.

What sets this album apart from their previous work, including last year’s “Something Good, Vol. 3,” is how it showcases the versatility of their new lineup. The project moves effortlessly between upbeat numbers like “All The Way To The Gates” and more contemplative pieces such as “Already Free.” The emotional range is particularly evident in “Life Hurts, God Heals,” which features some of the group’s most nuanced vocal work to date.

Each member contributed to the album’s development, from song selection to final production decisions. This collaborative approach has resulted in performances that feel both polished and genuine, particularly in tracks like “I Went Down” and the gently rhythmic “We’ll Be Moving.”

The project’s cornerstone, “Until Prayer Changes Me,” has already found success on gospel radio, suggesting that listeners are embracing this new chapter in the group’s story. While the faces may have changed, the heart of The Kingdom Heirs’ ministry remains steadfast, evident in every harmony and lyric throughout the album.Long-time fans will appreciate how the group has maintained their traditional quartet styling while thoughtfully incorporating contemporary elements. The closing track, “Yesterday, Today, Forever Faithful,” perfectly encapsulates this evolution, providing a fitting bookend to an album that honors their past while embracing their future.

As The Kingdom Heirs continue their daily performances at Dollywood, this album stands as proof that even significant change can lead to creative growth when approached with faith and dedication. Through careful song selection and collaborative musicianship, they’ve created what might be their most cohesive and compelling project to date.