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Legacy Five Announces New Bass Vocalist, Jon Epley

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AMY TURNER

Southern Gospel listeners have reason to celebrate as Legacy Five announced this week that veteran singer Jon Epley will join the group as its new bass vocalist. In February, Texas Gospel announced Epley was leaving Greater Vision.

The announcement marks a significant and warmly anticipated return for Epley, who had stepped away from full-time traveling and performing. In a statement released through the group’s Facebook page, Epley reflected on his time away and his renewed sense of calling.

“We all know that life is made up of seasons,” Epley said. “A little while back, I went through a change of seasons in my life and took some time away from traveling and singing. It was a season of drawing close to the Lord, healing, and growth. I’ve missed singing so much and am incredibly excited to be joining my great friends Scott, Lee, Tim, Jake, and Adam in a group that I have admired for a long time.”

Legacy Five founder and lead vocalist Scott Fowler shared that Epley was a unanimous choice among the group when the bass position became available.

“When we found ourselves needing a bass vocalist, every single man on the L5 bus asked me to call Jon Epley,” Fowler said. “I have loved Jon as a person and as a singer since we first met several years ago. Like so many of you, I’ve missed him while he took some time off, and I’m thrilled he’s able to travel again and do what he feels called by God to do.”

Fans can look forward to upcoming concert dates featuring the new lineup in the coming weeks. Legacy Five encouraged supporters to follow their official channels for announcements and to join them in welcoming Epley back to the stage.

The Browns release 25th anniversary recording

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN – The celebration of a new millennium in 2000 brought the uncertainties of technological advances, the election of a new U.S. President and the dawning of the 21st century. In essence, 2000 was a year of transition and change, with elements of both excitement and trepidation, as the world ushered in a new era. Yet like each one before, the new millennium saw the faithfulness of God and His ever-present promise of new beginnings.

The year 2000 certainly produced a new beginning for one family from the rural community of LeMars, IA. It delivered the dawning of a musical endeavor that would grow to impact their small community, as well as the entire gospel music world. Shelly Brown, along with her two sons, Adam and Andrew, and daughters, Jessica and Michaela, officially launched the musical ministry collectively known as The Browns. Since 2015, this family has enjoyed hosting performances at their very own Browns Century Theater in their hometown of Le Mars. The family performs to sold-out crowds five days a week during November and December and is currently in the process of building a brand-new theater that will be open just in time for the 2025 holiday season.

To commemorate their 25th Anniversary, StowTown Records announces the release of 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead. Produced by Grammy-nominated and multi-Dove award-winning producer, Wayne Haun, the recording features Houston’s First Worship Choir, as well as Indian Trail Worship. Just in time for the 2025 summer season, this latest recording effort is a labor of love that showcases the talents of a musical family that has dedicated their lives to bringing joy to audiences worldwide. 

Michaela Brown reflects, “As we look back over 25 years and see how God has opened doors and allowed us to be on this musical journey as a family, we are deeply humbled. We love ministering and making music. The album, Better Days Ahead, is full of songs we love, songs we wrote and includes our theme song, ‘It Will Be Worth It All When We See Christ,’ which we first recorded 25 years ago!” 

This 11-song anniversary collection is indicative of the joy and energy The Browns have been bringing to audiences for 25 years. Their rich family harmonies shine brightly on songs like the American classic “Put A Little Love In Your Heart,” the Andrae Crouch standard “I’ve Got Confidence,” as well as the beloved worship ballad, “Goodness of God.” Additionally, the recording features several original songs written by some of the industry’s most prolific writers. This list includes the title cut, “Better Days Ahead,” a moving anthem, co-written by Shelly Brown, that offers a strong message of encouragement to listeners of all ages, as well as “Stone of Faith” and “Something Good,” both co-written by Michaela Brown. Their current radio single, “I Know What Jesus Can Do,” is already moving up the charts, with no signs of stopping.

Michaela shares how meaningful this anniversary release is to her family, “We love sharing the message of the Gospel through song and love the people we have met and sung to over these past 25 years. We are looking forward to many more better days ahead!”

StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene conveys his enthusiasm for this new release, “The Browns have long been a part of the StowTown family, and we couldn’t be happier to be celebrating this career milestone with the release of their 25th anniversary project. We look forward to what the next 25 years of ministry holds for this incredibly talented family!”

From beginning to end, this recording commemorates a rich musical heritage that spans two and a half decades and has enjoyed much success with no doubt, better days ahead.

25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead is distributed by Sony/Provident and is available on digital platforms worldwide. Stream the full album here.


TRACK LISTING Stone of Faith
Better Days Ahead 
Something Good
I’ve Been There
I Know What Jesus Can Do
Goodness of God
Put A Little Love in Your Heart 
Thank You Lord For Holding Me
Crimson
I’ve Got Confidence
When We see Christ

Finding Hope in Darkness: Trusting God’s Timing

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AMY TURNER

There are moments when darkness feels overwhelming, and hope seems distant. Psalm 130:6 offers a picture of waiting in those difficult times: “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” In ancient cities, guards stood on the walls through the night, keeping watch for any danger. Their eyes stayed alert, not just for threats, but for the first signs of dawn. Morning meant safety, as the light chased away the fears of night.

In the same way, people of faith wait for God’s presence to bring peace and clarity in troubled seasons. The struggles of this world, along with the confusion within our own hearts, can feel like a long, dark night. But God’s word shines as a guiding light, offering truth and comfort when nothing else does. Just as the watchmen trusted that the sun would rise, believers are reminded to trust that God’s light will break through, no matter how long the night feels.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Sound Street brings a bit of NOLA jazz to a classic gospel song

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 20, 2025) — The latest single from last year’s full-length Good Seed is just hitting the Southern Gospel charts, but Sonlite Records’ Sound Street have been busy bringing new music to their growing legion of fans since the beginning of the year — and this time, the family based trio of dad Jarrod Vanderslice, daughter Jaylie, and their colleague Ryan Bilby, has served up a venerable classic with a creative new sound.

“Get ready for a fresh take on an old favorite,” enthuses Jarrod Vanderslice. “Sound Street is thrilled to release our new streaming single, ‘I Want to Know More About My Lord’ â€” but with a twist you’ve never heard before!”

“Ryan has always loved this classic Redback hymn,” he continues, “and he had a vision for it that took it straight to the streets of New Orleans. When he shared that idea with the group and our producer, Roger Talley, the wheels started turning. What if we took this beloved gospel song and gave it a full-on NOLA jazz treatment? That’s exactly what we did!”

Sure enough, from its irresistible opening, “I Want To Know More About My Lord” shines with its cheerful orchestration, lending an extra lift to an arrangement that offers each member of the trio a chance to claim the spotlight amid intricate harmonization that reflects the song’s origins in the legendary Stamps Quartet catalog.

“With a strummin’ banjo, lively trumpet, soulful clarinet, and a brass section that’ll make you feel like you’re strolling through the French Quarter,” Vanderslice concludes, “this energetic arrangement brings a brand-new vibe to a timeless message. It’s fun, it’s uplifting, and most importantly — it reminds us all to keep seeking and knowing more about Jesus. Give it a listen, sing along, and let the joy of the Lord move you!”Listen to “I Want To Know More About My Lord”HERE.

Southern Gospel’s Enduring Mission: Dealing Hope Through Music

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JEFF TURNER

In an era marked by uncertainty and division, one musical tradition continues to reach beyond generational boundaries. Southern Gospel music, with its roots in American Christian culture, maintains a singular focus: providing hope to those who need it most.

Clint Brown of Southbound says the purpose of Southern Gospel goes far beyond entertainment or even worship—it represents a calling to serve. It encourages the world.

“If there’s anything that I believe is a standard for Southern Gospel, it’s the fact that we are hope dealers. I mean, it just is,” Brown explains. “You know, whether it’s, I’m getting up in age and I’ve got something to look forward to, whether it’s Jason Crabb saying, ‘Through the fire, God will keep you.’ No matter what it is, whether it’s Ronnie Henson 50 years ago saying, ‘You know but when you’re in a place where you’re unsure and don’t know how to get out of, there’s always a lighthouse. I think Southern Gospel has always been hope dealers.”

Rather than accidentally stumbling into themes of encouragement, our artists and songwriters deliberately work to serve those facing life’s inevitable challenges. Brown’s reference to aging listeners finding “something to look forward to” is true. The lyrics address universal human experiences.

Contemporary artist Jason Crabb’s message of God’s protection “through the fire” carry the same idea of Ronnie Henson’s lighthouse offering guidance to the lost and uncertain.

We hope the music you hear on Texas Gospel is an encouragement to listeners. Perhaps not every song speaks to you. But at lest some of the time.