Tag: Joseph Habedank

Joseph Habedank: A Soloist’s Journey of Humility and Honor

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JEFF TURNER

Joseph Habedank, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, has once again been recognized for his contributions to southern gospel music. At the 2024 Singing News Fan Awards, Habedank was awarded “Soloist of the Year,” a testament to his enduring influence and talent in the genre. As he stood on stage to accept this prestigious honor, Habedank’s focus was not solely on himself, but on those who paved the way for him and others in the field.

In his acceptance speech, Habedank turned the spotlight to two legendary southern gospel soloists, acknowledging the impact they’ve had on his life and career. “We honored one of my favorite soloists today, and his name’s Kirk Talley,” Habedank said. “But I just saw one of the greatest soloists ever named Ivan Parker, and I love Ivan so much. Can we honor Ivan today? I love him so much.” His words reflected not only his gratitude for the recognition but also his deep appreciation for the pioneers of southern gospel music.

For over two decades, Habedank has been captivating audiences with his poignant, personal songwriting. His solo career began in 2014 with the release of his debut album Welcome Home, an album that set the tone for what would become a career marked by authenticity and transparency. Since then, he has earned two GRAMMY® nominations and three GMA Dove Awards. But for Habedank, it’s never been about the accolades. Instead, it’s his passion for sharing real-life struggles, faith, and redemption through music that has solidified his place in the hearts of his listeners.

Habedank’s speech at the awards ceremony is a reminder of his humility and his commitment to honoring those who came before him. While his voice and songwriting continue to earn him accolades, it’s his spirit of gratitude that makes him stand out. “Thank you all so much. I love you. God bless you,” he concluded his speech, with a sincerity that has come to define his career.

As Habedank looks ahead, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. His recognition as “Soloist of the Year” is just the latest milestone in a career that continues to inspire and uplift, not only through his music but through his heart for the gospel and for the people who shaped his path.

Fan’s Suggestion Sparks Joseph Habedank and Chris Blue Collaboration

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JEFF TURNER

Do fans have an impact on what Southern Gospel artists do? In the case of Joseph Habedank’s latest song, Jesus Walked In, the answer is a resounding yes!

Joseph Habedank’s collaboration with The Voice winner Chris Blue came directly from a fan suggestion. Joseph recalls the moment it all came together: “I met Chris Blue on the Gaither tour, and I have to tell you, he quickly became not only one of my favorite singers, but one of my favorite people.” The two were part of the Gaither Homecoming cruise when inspiration struck in an unexpected way.

A fan came to the front of the stage and motioned for me. So I went down, and the person said, ‘Would you ever consider doing a song with Chris Blue?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely I would. He’s one of my favorites,'” Joseph shared. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. “I literally went back to my seat. Chris Blue was sitting right behind me. I turned around and said, ‘Hey, you want to do a song together?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely, let’s do it.'”

That fan’s suggestion sparked a collaboration that led to Jesus Walked In, a song that blends the talent of two artists from different musical worlds, bringing together the rich tradition of Southern Gospel and Chris Blue’s soulful voice.

This unexpected partnership shows that fan engagement can play a significant role in shaping an artist’s journey. Sometimes, all it takes is a single suggestion to create something extraordinary. In this case, a fan’s request gave Southern Gospel a new, powerful song that’s sure to bless many.

Joseph Habedank re-signs with Daywind Records

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DAVID INGRAM

Daywind Records announced this week that it has re-signed two-time GRAMMY® nominated, Three-time GMA Dove Award-winning, and six-time Singing News Soloist of the Year winner Joseph Habedank to its family of artists.

The re-signing marks a continuation of a relationship that has significantly contributed to the Southern Gospel songbook. Joseph said it’s hard to believe that he has been on the Daywind roster for over two decades.

“When I joined the Perry’s in 2003, they were a Daywind artist and I was with them for 10 years, 2003 to 2013. I was 17 when I joined them,” he said.

Joseph had a major battle going on that he eventually overcame. Today he speaks of it openly.

“When I went to rehab and got out, a lot of you know that I really wasn’t sure if I’d ever sing again. I went to lunch with Rick Shelton, the publisher at Daywind, he said, ‘Hey, I think we may want to do a record on you if you’re interested.’ And it blew me away. So I met with Norman Holland, the A&R director at the time and of course Ed Leonard, the president, and came up with a plan to sign me as a solo artist.”

He said this started the second decade with Daywin Records.

“We are now starting the third decade together, and the best is yet to come,” said Joseph.

You can hear Joseph Habedank’s latest release “Forgiven” playing throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

“Child of the King” New Single from Joseph Habedank

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SPECIAL: DAYWIND RECORDS

Nashville, TENN (April 29, 2022) — Daywind Records is excited to release the new single, “Child of the King,” from Joseph Habedank’s current project Change Is Coming.

Joseph is a two-time GRAMMY® nominated, Dove Award winning Southern Gospel Artist of the Year (2020) and has been named Gospel Music’s Favorite Soloist for four consecutive years (2017-2020).  His latest project, Change Is Coming, released in 2021, won the Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year in 2021. This project is known as Habedank’s most thought-provoking and what he calls his “most important album to-date.”

Habedank co-wrote “Child of the King” along with Dave Clark and Don Koch. This upbeat song, featuring background vocals by Chris Allman, was produced by Joseph, Wayne Haun, and Lindsay Habedank, and is an empowering reminder of our position in Christ.

Listen for “Child of the King” on Texas Gospel Canada!

Joseph Habedank’s Goliath has a deep message from the familiar Bible story

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Jeff Turner – Music Reporter and Floyd Rogers – Texas Gospel Volunteer, Christian writer

Joseph Habedank’s latest release from the Deeper Oceans project is Goliath. We’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but it’s rare to have a song that gives such a visual representation of this Bible story. Goliath’s lyrics delve into some of the meaning of the Bible story we all learned as a child.

“I love the visual of these guys trying to give David this armor that doesn’t fit him, and David kinda looking at them going, ‘Guys, I’ve already got the weapon that I need, I’ ve got Jesus and that’s all I need.’ I think that’s such a powerful thought,” he said in a recent interview.

Joseph’s sentiment is shared by many who read 1 Samuel. Pastor Chuck Swindoll wrote a similar description saying, “As I picture it, David was blinking and thinking, What giant? The only giant in my life is God. That’s a dwarf over there, Saul. God is not impressed with the externals; He looks on the heart. God is omnipotent! And if He’s on my side, omnipotence can’t lose.”

Doesn’t that describe a confidence we should all have when we know we are doing what God wants?

I think it’s important to note here that David was doing God’s work. His heart was right. He wasn’t just claiming something he wanted so he could demand it in God’s name. Consider the Lord’s prayer, the model for our prayer, says, “….your kingdom come, your will be done…” And when Jesus prayed before His execution He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” I believe this emphasizes the need to ask God that we know His will first. If we act according to His will, we will succeed.

Joseph, speaking of his song Goliath, spoke of just how small our troubles are compared to God. He said, “I think we so often try to fight our battles on our own, and when we have to realize that God is more mighty , He’s more powerful than anything we face, any Goliath, any giant in our lives.”

I believe God will give us the strength we need to be in His will. Sometimes this means accomplishing great things. I also believe this sometimes means He will give us the strength to deal with disappointment when things don’t go the way we think they should. He is all-knowing; we are not. Doesn’t this mean we should constantly ask for guidance and understanding knowing that nothing in this world comes close to the power of our God?

We hope you enjoy hearing Goliath on Texas Gospel Canada! We also hope its lyrics will encourage you to seek God’s will as you face life’s daily battles.