Tag: music

The Kingdom Heirs names John Young as new tenor

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DAVID INGRAM

The Kingdom Heirs has announced that John Young will take over the tenor position for the Southern Gospel group.

Young has been with The Kingdom Heirs for nearly three years. He currently works as a utility player and vocalist with the band. He will now join the front line of singers in his new role.

John got his professional start in music in 2016 at Dollywood singing and playing guitar in various shows on the park, according to the group’s website. John then worked for The Country Tonite Theatre for four years as a lead vocalist and lead guitar player. Along with singing and playing guitar, John also enjoys song writing. In recent years, John has written multiple songs with various hit songwriters in Nashville. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Lorle, and dog, Josie.

The group said the decision followed a two-month search process. They stated they spent time in prayer while looking for the right person for the position.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I Went Down · Kingdom Heirs No Better Time ℗ 2024 Sonlite Records Released on: 2024-11-01

The Kingdom Heirs has won multiple awards over the years. The group is based in Tennessee and performs traditional Southern Gospel music.

The band thanked people who applied for the tenor position during the search. They said they received many responses from interested singers. The group expressed appreciation for everyone who reached out and shared their abilities.

The Kingdom Heirs asked supporters to continue their prayers for the group’s ministry work.
Young’s move to the tenor spot marks a change in the group’s lineup. He will step into a lead singing role after his time working in different positions with the band.

The Kingdom Heirs did not announce who will fill Young’s previous utility player role.

Southern Gospel legend Larry Ford passes away at 78

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JEFF TURNER

The southern gospel community is mourning the loss of Larry Ford, a beloved vocalist whose distinctive tenor voice touched hearts across the globe for decades. Mr. Ford, 78, passed away recently, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith and music.

Music video by Larry Ford performing Favorite Song Of All. (C) 2006 Spring House Music Group

Throughout his career, Mr. Ford became known for his exceptional vocal talent, which included notable stints with The Dixie Echoes and the James Blackwood Quartet. However, he will be most recognised for his work with The Gaither Homecoming Friends, where his Irish tenor voice became a cherished part of the beloved musical fellowship.

In his later years, Mr. Ford enjoyed a busy solo career that took him to more than 30 countries. The Grammy-winning former pastor made albums not just of hymns and praise music, but of patriotic American songs and Irish folk tunes as well. Larry had been a pilot, a pastor, and all of his life, a worshipper.

His passing was announced by his family on his Facebook page with a touching tribute:
“Our hero is Home — yes, that Home. The Home he sang about, longed for, and faithfully pointed others towards for nearly all his life. Larry led his family with quiet strength and tender grace. With his grand Irish tenor voice, he lived his faith with humility, carrying the Good News of the Gospel through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs all over the world. He believed that little is much when God is in it, labouring not for wealth or fame, but for the crown promised to those who go in Jesus’ name. And now, we know he has heard the words he sang and lived by: ‘You’ve been faithful, welcome home, My child, well done.’ We find comfort knowing that the voice who sang of Heaven and Home is now there. Thank you for the prayers, the love, and the support during this time. We are deeply grateful.”

Funeral services for Larry Ford will be held at the First Assembly of God Church in Fort Myers, Florida, on 27 December.

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – December 2025

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DAVID INGRAM

Welcome to the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 Songs of December 2025! This list is meticulously compiled based on the actual number of plays each song received in the previous month (November.) The Texas Gospel Top 30 is proudly submitted to top Southern Gospel publications including The Singing News and SGNScoops.

1 – Joy Is Gonna Come – Erwins – StowTown/Provident-Sony
2 – I Speak Jesus – Karen Peck & New River – Daywind/New Day
3 – The Only Way He Knew How – Jeff & Sheri Easter – Gaither Music/Capitol Christian
4 – That Somebody Was Me – Guardians – Daywind/New Day
5 – When Believers Will Be Leaving – Down East Boys – Sonlite/Crossroads
6 – I Will Glory In The Cross – Jim & Melissa Brady – Daywind/New Day
7 – One More – Williamsons – REAL Southern Gospel Records
8 – Back To Our Roots – Derrick Loudermilk Band – Independent
9 – Big God – Master’s Voice – Independent
10 – Oh, What A Moment – Ernie Haase – StowTown/Provident-Sony
11 – Loving You – Nelons – Daywind/New Day
12 – The Well – Taylors – StowTown/Provident-Sony
13 – Every Promise Made Is A Promise Kept – Anthem Edition – Sonlite/Crossroads
14 – The Church – Joseph Habedank – Daywind/New Day
15 – Cleft Of The Rock – Kramers – StowTown/Provident-Sony
16 – I’m With The Band – Steve Ladd (with Michael and Ronnie Booth) – ARS/New Day
17 – Tell It To Him – Bibletones – Independent
18 – All He’s Ever Been – Chronicle – ARS/New Day
19 – I’ve Seen What It Can Do – Phillips & Banks – ARS/New Day
20 – Seed In The Ground – Sound Street – Sonlite/Crossroads
21 – I Know It’s You – Scotty Inman – Daywind/New Day
22 – Say Something – Tim Menzies (with Ben Isaacs and Sonya Isaacs Yeary) – ARS/New Day
23 – Mercy Was More – Adam Crabb – Daywind/New Day
24 – The Day – Heart 2 Heart – ARS/New Day
25 – When My Feet Touch The Streets Of Gold – LeFevre Quartet – Daywind/New Day
26 – I Got Saved – TrueSong – Daywind/New Day
27 – Behind My Praise – Brian Free & Assurance – Daywind/New Day
28 – I Am Saved – Tate Emmons – ARS/New Day
29 – That’s Who He Is – 11th Hour – Sonlite/Crossroads
30 – Let The Church Be An Ocean – Mercy’s Well – Independent

Mississippi gospel group signs recording deal with Nashville label

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JEFF TURNER

Right Road Quartet of Columbia, Mississippi has signed a recording agreement with Big Picture Records.

The quartet began performing in March 2022 and has traveled since then. Matt Linton serves as the lead singer and founded the group. The other members are Kip Barrier, who sings tenor, Jason Pope, who sings baritone, and Caleb Dunn, who sings bass.

Matt Linton, Lead (Courtesy Right Road Quartet, 2025)

“Myself and Right Road Quartet are absolutely thrilled to be officially signed with Big Picture Records,” Linton said. “The entire team at Big Picture has been incredible to work with. We are so thankful for their belief in our ministry and music. We can’t wait to see what doors the Lord continues to open!”

Ed Leonard of Big Picture Records, which operates under Daywind Music Group, said the label looks forward to working with the quartet. “We are excited to work with Right Road Quartet to spread the Gospel to people everywhere,” Leonard said. “I can’t wait for fans to hear the new music they are making!”

Jaquita Jenkins, who handles artist relations for Big Picture Records, added that the group fits well with the label’s other performers. “We’re happy to add Right Road to the family of great artists at Big Picture Records. Their excellence in both recording and live performance will raise the bar,” Jenkins said.

Right Road Quartet from the 2024 NQC

Radio stations received the song in November, and it will become available on streaming services and download platforms in January 2026.

Right Road Quartet will perform at the National Quartet Convention in September 2026. The group also has concerts scheduled at other Southern Gospel events around the country.

The group’s first release with Big Picture Records is a song called “Just One Drop of Blood.” Kevin Wright wrote the song. Three producers worked on the recording: the late Garry Jones, Matthew Browder, and John Darin Rowsey. Jones previously worked with Gold City, Mercy’s Mark, and Canton Junction.

Before forming Right Road Quartet, Linton worked as a solo performer. He started the group because of his interest in quartet music.

Chris Allman of Greater Vision praised Right Road Quartet’s performances. “There’s no sound that compares to solid four-part harmony when it’s done well. Right Road Quartet is one that executes the music and represents Gospel Music in a way that makes us all proud. They sound great, are exciting to watch and present themselves in a classy manner,” Allman stated.

Big Picture Records started in 2021 as part of Daywind Music Group. The label works with several Southern Gospel artists, including Justified Quartet, Steve Ladd, and the Mark Dubbeld Family. The company provides promotion, marketing, and distribution services for its artists.

Joseph Habedank releases The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Two-time GRAMMY® nominee and Dove Award-winning artist Joseph Habedank has honoured one of Christian music’s most celebrated voices with the release of his new project, The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman, now available through Daywind Records as of November 21.

The 12-track collection reimagines some of Steven Curtis Chapman’s most beloved and timeless songs, interpreted through Habedank’s signature voice and artistry. The album features fan favourites including “His Strength Is Perfect,” “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True,” and the iconic title track, “The Great Adventure.”

The first single, Habedank’s re-fashioned version of “The Great Adventure,” arrived on September 5, giving listeners an early glimpse of the powerful and heartfelt renditions that shape the full album. Produced by Brent Milligan, the project offers a fresh perspective on Chapman’s classics while remaining true to the heart and message that have inspired generations.

“Steven Curtis Chapman’s music has been a soundtrack of faith for so many of us,” shares Joseph Habedank. “It’s an honour to pay tribute to the incredible songs that shaped my own walk and to share them with today’s audiences in a new way.”

“I’m truly humbled by Joseph’s decision to record this tribute,” says Chapman. “Hearing these songs interpreted through his voice and heart is such a gift. I pray they will continue to encourage and inspire people just as they have throughout the years.”

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Steven Curtis Chapman remains the most awarded artist in Christian music history, with 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, 5 GRAMMY® Awards, and countless hits that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman is more than a covers project, it’s a heartfelt celebration and reimagining of Chapman’s legacy, presented through the lens of one of today’s leading voices in Christian music.

“I’m blown away and incredibly honoured that my friend Joseph has released an entire album of my songs! I can’t wait for everybody to hear it!” – Steven Curtis Chapman