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Change has come to The Kingsmen Quartet

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JEFF TURNER

The Kingsmen Quartet is starting 2024 with a new lineup.

Drew Laney left the Kingsman after a year and a half.

“We love Drew and again we wish him the very very best,” said baritone singer/stage manager Alan Kendall.

Brady Jones, 19, of Morgantown, Kentucky is taking the spot left open by Laney’s departure. He’s described as a gifted singer and a great musician.

“We met him when he was still in high school and his ability blew us away then, his drive blew us away and blows us away now,” said Kendall.

We’ll let you hear the new sound once their first release as a group is out.

Songwriter, producer Don Koch dies from cancer

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SPECIAL DAYWIND RECORDS

Songwriter, producer and co-founder of Red Street Records Don Koch has passed away. 

In 2022 Mr. Koch was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and a tumor in his brain. 

Koch wrote well-known songs such as “In Christ Alone” made famous by Michael English, the Christmas favorite “A Strange Way To Save The World” originally by 4-Him, “Mercy Came Running” from Phillips, Craig and Dean, and more.

Koch was recently nominated for a DOVE AWARD for co-writing “Child Of The King” performed by Joseph Habedank.  He co-wrote Jim & Melissa Brady’s current single, “Ever Present, Ever Faithful.” 

Don Koch made a significant impact on the sound of Christian music and will be missed.

Claude Hopper suffers heart attacks

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JEFF TURNER / INFO FROM DAYWIND RECORDS

Texas Gospel Canada has learned that Claude Hopper of the Hoppers has suffered two minor heart attacks and has an aneurysm.

The family released a statement that was forwarded to us from Daywind Records:

As we embrace this new year, new challenges often arise. For our family, the specific challenge has been the hospitalization of Pop (Claude). Over the last week, he has suffered two minor heart attacks and doctors have discovered an aneurysm. As always, Pop is in great spirits and working on his comedy routine with every unsuspecting healthcare worker! This is a new trial for us, but nothing surprises our God. We covet your prayers during this time.

UPDATED 17 JANUARY Dean Hopper gave us an update

Dean Hopper gave us the following news about Claude:

“We are treating it with medication, the doctors are at this point, but if he has another pain or episode, then we’re going back to the hospital and they are going to either do a bypass or try to stent the problem. It’s so narrow that the endosome could burst if that kind of pressure is put on it, but it’s restricting blood flow at the same time. All that to say, we covet your prayer. We give thanks to God for keeping my dad alive and pretty well. He’s at home kicking and screaming. He’s ready to get out, but right now he’s really taking it easy.”

Sound Street signs with Sonlite Records, announces upcoming single

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS MUSIC

Arden, North Carolina (January 4, 2024) — Sonlite Records is excited to announce the signing of Southern Gospel trio Sound Street â€” and their first single release with the label. “Mansions,” an up-beat and exciting song that reminds us of a place being prepared for all who believe in Christ, will be released January 19.

“We are very excited and honored to become a part of the Sonlite family,” says Jarrod Vanderslice, who’s joined by daughter Jaylie Vanderslice and family friend Ryan Bilby in the trio. “We look forward to working along with this great team of experienced and dedicated people, who will help chart and plan our steps as we continue to grow as an artist. We anticipate God to bless these efforts, as we desire to see our music go further than we could ever do by ourselves.”

Since launching their career in July of 2020, Sound Street has garnered the attention of Southern Gospel music fans and tastemakers alike. The trio was selected from the National Quartet Convention’s Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage at 2021’s gathering, and was a top 10 nominee for favorite new artist in 2022’s Singing News Fan Awards. Their radio single, “I’ll Take The Old Highway,” peaked at #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’s Top 100, and “The Old Story” debuted at #67 on Singing News’ March 2022 chart.

Adds producer Roger Talley, “I have worked with Sound Street since they began singing. Jarrod Vanderslice and Ryan Bilby have always been great singers and talented communicators. Jaylie inherited the natural, God-given musical talent and is now taking an important role center stage with Sound Street.”

That role is highlighted in “Mansions,” where Jaylie’s compelling vocal carries listeners through joyous reminders of what’s waiting for them in Heaven.

“There is no limit to what this beautiful, talented young lady is becoming,” Talley continues. “She, along with her father, Jarrod, and Ryan are the most exciting new group I’ve heard in a long time. This new recording is a ‘must hear’!”