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Amber Nelon Kistler released from hospital

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Jeff Turner – Texas Gospel contributor

Amber Nelon Kistler of the Nelons was admitted to the hospital over the weekend with blood clots in both lungs.

“We are so grateful for each of you praying for her over the past few days,” said her husband Nathan.

“Amber and I were going to get on a plane tomorrow to DC, and I just kept thinking about the fact that if she had gotten on that plane with these blood clots in her lungs, that could easily have killed her. God has a reason for why he allows the things he does in our lives and we don’t always understand why he does that. I’m just very thankful that the Lord has protected us over and over again,” he said.

Daywind Records, The Nelons record label, tells Texas Gospel Canada Amber was released Monday.

The Inspirations’ Reunion LIVE will trace the quartet’s storied history

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS MUSIC

Arden, North Carolina (August 8, 2023) — In an epic encounter that brought together The Inspirations’ past and present, current and former members of the storied Southern Gospel group gave a performance for the ages at the 2022 National Quartet Convention — and now listeners everywhere can enjoy this unique, uplifting set in the majestic The Inspirations’Reunion LIVE collection from Horizon Records.

The album is now available for pre-save/add/order ahead of its September 29 release.

The excitement of the audience can be felt from the set’s very first moment, as it erupts into applause at emcee Josh Franks’ introduction and the opening notes of the current lineup’s lively rendition of “Living On Higher Ground,” and the energy in the hall remains at top level throughout the program. In an exquisitely crafted sequence, the quartet — Isaac Moore, Roland Kesterson, Luke Vaught and Wyatt Austin — gives way one by one to the group’s first generation, each man taking his original position and performing one of his signature songs. Indeed, time seems almost to stand still as Archie Watkins, Troy Burns, Eddie Dietz, Mike Holcomb, Marlin Shubert, Matt Diebler and Melton Campbell made their way to the stage, offering, alongside today’s members, endless reminders of why The Inspirations have had such a profound impact on Christian music. The band, too — Vaught on piano, guitarist Roger Fortner, Dale Jones on pedal steel and guest Jeff Tolbert (Primitive Quartet) on bass — unerringly delivers the classic sound that has kept the quartet at the forefront of Southern Gospel over the decades.  

From start to finish, The Inspirations’ Reunion LIVE testifies to the heartfelt joy of the Gospel’s good news, delivered by an aptly named brotherhood of men who have spent their lifetimes immersed in an unsurpassed musical ministry. Says founding member and legendary tenor singer Archie Watkins, “I am so excited that we got to do this! It was wonderful being on the stage at the National Quartet Convention with all the guys, and to see how the crowd just soaked it in was a blessing. I cannot thank Luke enough for how he put this event together. No one knows the history of our group like he does, and he really made the event come alive. I hope the fans love the recording as much as we did getting to record it!”

Triumphant Quartet Announces New Member

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN (August 3, 2023) – Longtime, multi-award winning StowTown Records recording artist, Triumphant Quartet, is pleased to announce the addition of vocalist Sean Barber to the group. Sean plans to relocate with his wife to the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. They are looking forward to being a part of the Triumphant Quartet family.

Sean shares, “I cannot put into words how excited I am about this opportunity. I have great respect for Triumphant and the rich legacy they have built over the last 22 years. My wife, Tanessa, and I are truly honored to be a part of the Triumphant family and look forward to what God has in store.” Triumphant Quartet co-founder, Eric Bennett, echoed Sean’s enthusiasm, “To everything there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and this is a new season for Triumphant as we welcome Sean to the group. He is an incredible talent, and we look forward to how the Lord is going to use him and the exciting things He has in store for our ministry as we move forward.”

For more information about Triumphant Quartet, go to www.triumphantquartet.com. Their current project, Hymns & Worship, is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide via Provident/Sony. 

The Primitive Quartet wraps up Through The Years series with live collection

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS MUSIC

 The Primitive Quartet and Mountain Home Music Company’s Through The Years series has been bringing the beloved gospel group’s music to new generations of listeners through streaming services and digital sales platforms for the first time. These releases continue the group’s half-century legacy as a bluegrass gospel artist — one that has now performed their last live show. The Quartet wrapped up their full time touring on May 20, with one final concert.

To commemorate this long career and to close the series, Mountain Home is releasing Through The Years Live, a collection that will allow listeners to continue to feel as though they’re enjoying a performance from the storied group. The collection stands as a great reminder of the energy and spirit the Primitive Quartet brought to the stage.

Through The Years Live features fan favorite songs like “My Hope Is In The Blood” and “Didn’t He Shine” as well as traditional songs like “He Will Set Your Fields On Fire” and “I’m Going There,” all from the several live albums the group has released over the years.

As a whole, the Through The Years series — curated by the Crossroads Label Group’s Greg Bentley and The Primitive Quartet’s Mike Riddle — encompasses eight volumes covering nearly 40 years of historic releases, including a Christmas collection. Rarely has such an archival exploration been directed exclusively at digital platforms, and the combination of historical interest and forward-looking accessibility serves to guarantee that not only will long-time fans of the storied group have their favorites close at hand, but that the vital musical ministry of the Primitive Quartet will be available for discovery by generations of fans yet to come.  

Scotty Inman Departs Triumphant Quartet; Focuses on Solo Career

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SPECIAL: STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN (July 8, 2023) – To everything there is a season. For the past two decades, Scotty Inman has been blessed with the privilege of traveling as part of the award-winning group, Triumphant Quartet. This season has brought much joy and fulfillment, both from a professional standpoint, as well as personally. “Over half my life has been spent with the greatest men I know. They say you are who you hang around, and I hit the jackpot with Triumphant,” shares Scotty Inman. “Men of integrity, consistency and class…not just in music, but in life itself.”

From the group’s beginnings in 2003, when four outstanding vocalists graced the stage in Pigeon Forge, TN for the first time together, to making the decision to tour the country in 2008, Triumphant has continued time and again to raise the bar of producing music with the highest excellence, all while remaining steadfast in their core values. That dedication, along with the grace of God, has yielded GRAMMY nominations, a Dove Award, numerous fan awards and number one songs at radio.

However, over the last few years, Scotty Inman has felt God leading him into a new season of life. A decision such as this is never simple or easy to make, especially when it entails leaving a group that is family; but at this time, it is necessary. Moving into 2024 and beyond, Scotty will shift his focus to recording and traveling as a solo artist, which will, in turn, allow much needed flexibility in his schedule.

“This is not a ‘going home to spend more time with my family’ type of announcement,” explains Scotty. “Mainly because that implies that those of us who travel for a living do not spend time with our families, which is not true. However, what I do know is that I have a deep desire to be even more involved in my kids’ lives at these crucial ages. They are growing up quickly, and I want to be at as many ballgames and recitals as I can.”

Scotty continues, “As some of you know, my wife and I recently helped plant a church along with a pastor friend and small group of couples. At that church, I serve as the co-worship leader, as well as a deacon. Serving more frequently at my home church and being in attendance to fulfill my duties are a few things that have been laid on my heart in a huge way.”

While Scotty looks forward to making the most of his time with his family, this does not mean that music will take a backseat. “I’m not done singing, and in many ways, I feel as though I’ve only just begun! By traveling as a soloist, I’ll be able to pursue the calling that the Lord has placed on my life, but with a less demanding schedule. I plan on seeing everyone down the road sooner rather than later!”

Eric Bennett conveys the group’s sincere gratitude, “We will forever be grateful for Scotty’s time and devotion to Triumphant. His creativity, passion and love for the Gospel has helped create what Triumphant is today.” Although things may change, remnants of Scotty’s influence will always be seen and felt as Triumphant continues its ministry in the coming years.”

“Scotty has been a much-loved and respected member of this family,” says David Sutton, the tenor singer for Triumphant. “We all understand and share in the calling of ministry in varying capacities. As such, we are fully supportive of Scotty and this new endeavor.”

“We’ve always encouraged our kids to never be afraid of expanding their borders,” Clayton Inman recalls. “Scotty has been with Triumphant for twenty years. As both his dad and a group member, I’m extremely grateful for that. At the same time, his mom and I are excited for the world to see everything Scotty has to offer for years to come.”

Inevitably, Scotty will leave behind big shoes to fill. While the group vows to exercise prayerful consideration and discernment during the interview process, the members appreciate Scotty’s willing participation during this time of transition. His involvement in the selection process highlights the impact of the quartet’s ministry and the quality of relationships formed during those years. All serious inquiries for the lead/baritone position should be emailed to landon@imcconcerts.com.

Scotty will continue to appear as part of Triumphant Quartet through the end of the year. A transition such as this one is not to be taken lightly, and Scotty wants to make the change as smooth as possible for each and every person involved. He shares, “Please pray for me and my family during this transition, as well as my favorite group of guys, Triumphant, as they move forward. I know God has great things in store for them!”

To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow Scotty Inman on social media or visit scottyinman.com.