Tag: Karen Peck and New River

Karen Peck & New River release powerful album ‘I Speak Jesus’

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SPECIAL DAYWIND RADIO

NASHVILLE, TN (July 16, 2025) – GRAMMYⓇ-nominated, multi-Dove Award and Singing News Fan Award-winning Karen Peck & New River announce the release of their new radio single, their Southern Gospel version of the beloved worship anthem, “I Speak Jesus.” The song, featured on the group’s most recent Daywind Records’ album, Good Answers, has created incredible God moments in concerts across the nation, and now the group wants to share this powerful message with radio listeners. 

(Image courtesy Daywind Records)

“There is power in the name of Jesus,” Karen Peck stated, quoting the song’s signature line. “Two weeks before our precious Mom passed away, she said something that has never left us: ‘I’ve prayed to God, and He gives good answers.’ That simple truth has resonated in our hearts ever since. No matter what we face, we can rest in knowing the Lord has every situation covered.“

Karen continues, “It’s been a long time since we’ve sung a song with such power and proclamation. We are so blessed to sing this anthem that challenges every mom, dad, grandparent, and great-grandparent to boldly speak the name of Jesus over their families. This song declares hope over depression, freedom over bondage, and peace over every mind. ‘I Speak Jesus’ will forever be a classic.”

Celebrating the release of the single, Dusty Wells, Daywind’s Director of Artist & Label Relations, stated, “Our team here at Daywind Records is beyond thrilled about the release of the song ‘I Speak Jesus’ from our dear friends Karen Peck and New River. This powerful anthem—filled with hope, healing, and the authority of His Name—is moving hearts everywhere. The group has been closing their concerts with this song, and the response is nothing short of overwhelming. When they sing it… Jesus is truly spoken over every hurt, struggle, fear, and need. What a song! What a message! What a moment!”

Critics have praised the group’s latest album, Good Answers, with Southern Gospel Spotlight giving it a perfect 5-star rating and raving: “KPNR delivers yet again with the heartfelt and inspirational Good Answers featuring top-notch musicianship, incredible songs, and stellar vocals. Highlights include: ‘Be Ready,’ ‘River of Life,’ ‘That’s What Faith Looks Like,’ ‘I Speak Jesus,‘ ‘Mama Knows,’ ‘Ain’t No Satisfaction’, and ‘Good Answers.'”

With its timeless message of faith, courage, and the power of prayer, “I Speak Jesus” exemplifies the group’s mission to spread His gospel through the proclaiming of truth of Jesus Christ. As the group continues to share Good Answers and its impactful songs on stages across the country, be sure to follow Karen Peck & New River on their website and social media for the latest updates and to check out their upcoming tour dates. You won’t want to miss what God is doing through KPNR.

“That’s What Faith Looks Like”: Karen Peck Gooch Reflects on Belief Through Song

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DAVID INGRAM


In the landscape of Gospel music, faith is often not only the subject of the songs—it is the driving force behind their creation. This includes Karen Peck and New River’s song “That’s What Faith Looks Like.” You may remember it from Southbound, but it’s been re-imagined by Karen Peck and New River. Through its lyrics and the testimony of Karen Peck Gooch, the song paints a picture of what it means to live by faith amid life’s uncertainty.

At its core, “That’s What Faith Looks Like” brings us through a series of human interactions that illustrate belief in action: a mother praying for her child’s safety, a mourner offering praise at a graveside, a believer clinging to divine promises during private struggles. The song does not attempt to define faith in theological terms; rather, it shows how faith is lived out in quiet, often painful, moments.

The lyrics begin by acknowledging the difficulty of articulating faith to someone who has never experienced it.

“If you’ve ever tried to tell an unbeliever what it means to put your faith in a God you have never seen… They still wonder how your heart can be so sure.”

From there, the song transitions to more grounded examples, suggesting that the evidence of faith is not found in abstract ideas but in real-life choices—trusting, surrendering, and praising in the face of adversity.

Karen Peck Gooch, longtime member of Karen Peck and New River, offers insight into the message through her personal life.

“I’m gonna live what I believe. You know, the thing is, I believe that Jesus is Lord. I believe that I am not alone. I believe that God placed me on this earth for a reason and that’s to serve him and to glorify him.”

Her sentiment is found in the final lines of the song.

“I’m going to live what I believe. Trust what I can’t change. Follow where He leads. Unafraid and unashamed.”

This is the intersection of personal conviction and lyrical content for a gospel sinner.

“There are circumstances beyond my control. And I am not gonna understand everything that happens in my life. And you know what—I’m not supposed to. Because if I understood everything that happened in my life, there would be no reason to live by faith.”

The lyrics give us familiar examples—grief, prayer, and perseverance—”That’s What Faith Looks Like” connects with listeners who find themselves navigating similar paths. Rather than offering explanations, it offers identification. The refrain,

“I can’t explain it any other way, except to say that’s what faith looks like,”

Listen for That’s What Faith Looks Like throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

Karen Peck & New River Teases New Album After Months of Preparation

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JEFF TURNER

Southern Gospel fans are eagerly anticipating the next release from Karen Peck & New River, a group that has been a staple in the genre since its formation in 1991. With six Grammy nominations and Karen Peck Gooch’s 2021 induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the group has consistently delivered powerful and uplifting music.

Karen Peck & New River has been hard at work on their forthcoming album, though the title remains undecided. “We have quite a few songs that could be a title,” Karen Peck Gooch shares. “‘Be Ready’ is a great title.” While the title is still being finalized, one thing is certain: the group is confident in the direction of the new project. “I really think that we’re in good shape as far as the focus and the direction we’re heading with this album.”

Fans can expect the same heartfelt messaging that has made the group a Southern Gospel mainstay. “We just want our music to be relevant,” Gooch adds. “We want to keep moving forward because we can’t stay where we are.”

As the release date approaches, anticipation grows for what promises to be another meaningful and impactful album from Karen Peck & New River.

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

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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!

Karen Peck Gooch: A Legacy of Faith and Songwriting Success in Southern Gospel Music

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JEFF TURNER

Karen Peck Gooch has become a remarkable figure in Southern Gospel Music, with a career that spans decades of dedication, talent, and passion. As a six-time Grammy-nominated artist and winner of nine GMA Dove Awards, Karen’s influence on the genre is undeniable. Her journey into songwriting, which has added another dimension to her illustrious career, is a story of discovery and growth.

Karen, who currently leads Karen Peck & New River—a group she formed in 1991—recalls how she initially hesitated to pursue songwriting seriously. “When we joined the Daywin label, Rick Shelton said, why don’t you drive to Nashville and sit in a writer’s room with some great writers? I didn’t do it for a long time just because I’m a tune person and an idea person,” Karen explains. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually took that leap, and it opened up new possibilities for her.

“I thought, well, I don’t want to waste anybody’s time,” she admits. But as she started working in the studio, she realized, “Hey, maybe I do have something more than just a tune and an idea.” This revelation marked a turning point in her career, fueling her confidence and helping her to craft songs that resonate deeply with her audience. “I do know when the song comes together, that’s what I want to say. It has been such an incredible, incredible experience for me.”

Karen’s songwriting has culminated in the release of “Be Ready!,” the latest single from Karen Peck & New River, which she co-wrote with renowned writers Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey. The song is a testament to her growth as a songwriter and her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Outside of her musical accomplishments, Karen is also a devoted wife, married to Rickey Gooch. Her personal and professional lives are a testament to her faith, perseverance, and the joy she finds in sharing her message through song. As Karen continues to make her mark on Southern Gospel Music, her legacy as both a performer and a songwriter only grows stronger, inspiring countless others along the way.