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Southern Gospel Community Unites After Hurricane Helene

Published on by Texas Gospel1 Comment

AMY TURNER

Hurricane Helene made a significant impact on Southern Gospel artists, especially those based in North Carolina and East Tennessee. While Asheville, NC, the home base of The Kingsmen, was heavily affected by the storm, Alan Kendall reassures us that all group members are safe. “The Kingsmen are thankful that all family and all property is safe. Praise the Lord for that,” Alan shared. He went on to explain how the timing of their trip to Pigeon Forge spared them from being in the direct path of the hurricane. “We were all in Pigeon Forge when the hurricane weather struck over there. So we were not in Asheville at the time. The bus was not in Asheville when all this happened.”

Alan Kendall of The Kingsmen shared with us that The Kingsmen are safe (Daywind Music Photo)

However, many others in the Southern Gospel community continue to face challenges. Kendall mentioned that The Kingsmen’s bus is currently parked at Tony Gore’s property, alongside the Troy Burns family’s bus, as both families are unable to return to their homes due to the damage. “Troy and Tammy Burns are also not able to return home right now. I believe they live in the Fletcher area,” he explained, emphasizing the need for prayers. “We want you to join us in praying for Asheville and all the surrounding communities.”

Kendall also provided updates on others in the Southern Gospel family affected by the storm. He urged fans to keep Wyatt Austin of The Inspirations in their prayers. “Wyatt has gotten home. There’s a lot of devastation in the Morganton area,” Kendall reported, noting that Wyatt had some tree damage at his residence. He also expressed concern for The Whisnants, who are based in the same area. Though they remain safe, “the Whisnants continue to be without power,” confirmed Susan Whisnant.

Another prayer request came for gospel legend Squire Parsons and his wife, Linda. “Squire obviously has some health concerns. And I don’t know what the power situation is,” Kendall noted, as uncertainty looms over the aftermath in their area.

One of the most heart-wrenching reports involved Josh Garner of The Chuck Wagon Gang. “Josh’s family, as far as we know, they are safe, but all bridges that lead to Josh’s home are gone, and he is unable to get to his family last I checked,” Kendall shared. Garner’s home in Chucky, Tennessee, has been cut off by the devastation, highlighting the extensive impact of the storm.

As these beloved artists and their families recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the Southern Gospel community rallies together in prayer and support.

Anthem Edition offers a powerful testament with “Still Under His Feet”

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SPECIAL: HORIZON & SONLITE RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 27, 2024) — Their first single of the year is just making its way onto the Southern Gospel airplay charts, but Anthem Edition (formerly known as The Old Paths) are keeping fans happy with another release: “Still Under His Feet,” a song that offers a message of hope and resilience born of faith.

“Featuring Cameron Eden’s debut as tenor,” observes lead singer Tim Rackley, “‘Still Under His Feet’ is a powerful testament to God’s unwavering sovereignty.” And indeed, with a powerful rhythm section that surges underneath piano and guitars — including pedal steel supplied by master studio musician David Johnson — at a measured pace, the song convincingly conveys the burdens of anxiety and doubt before supplying the answer of salvation in its stirring chorus:

I’ve tried walking on water, in my own ability,
Just to find myself drowning, in a sea, of anxiety,
But just when it feels like, I’m going down, for the last time,
From out of nowhere, Jesus slips His hand in mine….

When I’m in, over my head, it’s still under His feet,
When I’m barely holding on, He’s holding me,
When waves of sorrow, are crashing over me…
When, I’m in, over my head, it’s still under His feet.

“As Cameron’s first national single and the winner of the Singing News Songwriting Contest in 2023,” Rackley notes with conviction, “This song is destined to resonate deeply with listeners and become a defining moment in Southern Gospel music.”

“Still Under His Feet” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL.

The Allens Capture ‘Cross Over’ Music Video on the Sea of Galilee

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JEFF TURNER

Have you seen The Allens’ latest music video for their song “Cross Over”? If not, you’re missing out on a breathtaking visual experience set in an incredible location—none other than the Sea of Galilee in Israel. This powerful song, which speaks of a miracle that took place on these very waters, is now accompanied by a video filmed in the exact spot where history and faith meet.

Josh Allen shared the significance of shooting the video in such a meaningful location:

“The extraordinary opportunity to do a music video for it in the country of Israel on the Sea of Galilee, which is neat because the song talks about a miracle that took place on the Sea of Galilee. So just the significance of being able to sing not just on the shore, but on a boat, you know, going on the actual sea. That’s an experience that not a lot of people get.”

Shooting on the Sea of Galilee itself brought a unique layer of authenticity to the project. “We are so excited about what’s happening with the song,” Allen added.

“Cross Over” is more than just a song—it’s a testimony brought to life in a video that captures the heart and message of the lyrics. You can catch the song playing throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

Exciting Performers Announced for 55th Dove Awards

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JEFF TURNER

The 55th Annual DOVE AWARDS is set to be a star-studded event, and the first round of performers has already been announced. Among those confirmed to take the stage is Southern Gospel artist Joseph Habedank. This year’s awards ceremony, which will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, October 4th, promises to be an exciting evening with performances from an array of renowned Christian music artists, including CeCe Winans, Crowder, Frank Forrest, Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, and Tauren Wells. With the event already sold out, fans are eagerly anticipating an unforgettable night of worship and celebration.

For Habedank, this performance holds a special significance. Reflecting on the announcement, he shared his excitement:

“Well, I gotta be honest, this week has been pretty amazing. I turned thirty-nine years old on Monday, and then on Tuesday morning, a day after my thirty-ninth birthday, it was announced that I’ll be performing at the DOVE AWARDS on October the first. It’ll air, I think, later that week, and I’m so, so excited.”

Habedank is no stranger to the DOVE AWARDS stage, having performed several times in the past. However, this year stands out to him for a particular reason.

“I’ve gotten to sing on the DOVE AWARDS four or five times, actually one time with Reba McEntire, and that was a huge honor. But this time in particular is special because I’m getting to do a full song, my own song, and I’m getting to use a full band with full production. And I am so honored.”

His gratitude and sense of responsibility for representing his genre at such a high-profile event are evident.

“Thank you to the GMA. I cannot express how grateful and honored and humbled I am, and I hope that I represent our genre well.”

Audiences tuning in can expect to see Habedank performing his song “Jesus Walked In,” featuring Chris Blue, bringing a powerful moment to the evening’s festivities. As the countdown to the DOVE AWARDS begins, excitement builds for what will surely be a night to remember.

Karen Peck & New River: Behind the Scenes with The Night Owls

Published on by Texas Gospel1 Comment

AMY TURNER

Karen Peck & New River, six-time Grammy nominees, have become a powerhouse in Gospel music. Their latest song, “Be Ready,” released in June, is in the top lineup at Texas Gospel Canada. But what do these award-winning singers do when they’re not in the studio?

Enter The Night Owls, a fun and engaging Facebook Live series led by Susan Peck Jackson. Each Friday night, Susan, along with Grant and Matthew, brings fans behind the scenes for a candid look at life offstage. The series has become a favorite among fans for its humor and realness.

Susan shares, “We have a lot of fun, and we’re always laughing at each other… Grant, Matthew, and myself do The Night Owls on Friday night, and so it’s late, like 11 or 12 o’clock at night. They get on there and start talking, and I just oversee everything.”

The live series isn’t just about fun, though. Susan keeps things in check, saying, “When they start talking about things that they shouldn’t, I’ll call them down.”

Don’t miss Karen Peck & New River’s Night Owl Diaries on Facebook Live this Friday night—tune in for laughter, insight, and the occasional late-night surprise!