Tag: music

The Kingdom Heirs release Fortieth Anniversary album

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 10, 2025) — “This year is a huge milestone for the Kingdom Heirs,” says Dennis Murphy of the legendary Southern Gospel quartet in which he’s served as drummer for more than 35 years. “Not only have we been in full-time gospel music for 40 years, but we’re also celebrating 40 consecutive seasons at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.” 

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative

To celebrate, the Sonlite Records artists have released Fortieth Anniversary, a collection of newly recorded favorites plucked from the vaults, including three of their most beloved numbers — “He Lifted Me, “I’ve Passed Over” and “He Locked The Gates” â€” seamlessly blended into a medley filled with the joy of salvation from first note to last.

“Many people may not realize that we were already in place at the park before it became Dollywood,” Murphy notes. “We started as a part-time gospel act during the early 80’s when it was Silver Dollar City, and after a couple of years singing on weekends and special events throughout the season, management offered us the full-time position in 1985. This has been an incredible way for us to share the gospel with people from all over the world. Our theater seats a thousand and we have the opportunity to sing to more people than we could ever reach traveling full time.”

Inspired by the opportunity to share their musical ministry with audiences from around the world — a blend of one-time visitors and season pass regulars — the Kingdom Heirs have built a songbook second to none. Not surprising, then, that musical variety abounds on Fortieth Anniversary, where plenty of classic quartet numbers are leavened with a country waltz (“I’ll Know I’m Home”), a simmering, soulful “Jesus Made A Believer Out Of Me,” a gentle yet intense ballad (“My Anchor Of Hope”) and more — each a powerful, upbeat testimony to the redemptive power of Christian faith.

“During our forty years we’ve been very fortunate to have some incredibly talented men come through the group,” enthuses Murphy. “We bring an entertaining, high-energy performance to the stage every time the curtain opens, presenting the gospel with incredible songs, talented vocals, and an award-winning live band. Our current line-up of guys is, without a doubt, a crowd favorite, so Fortieth Anniversary is a classic sounding Kingdom Heirs compilation with new voices, and we have reached way back in our catalogue to revive these hits from the last 25 years. 

“Some of you will remember every song while others will be hearing them for the first time. As we share these songs, we are reminded that our music has become the institution which allows us to keep singing and sharing the gospel. We’re excited for everyone to live these songs again and be reminded of our rich history of amazing music and amazing writers. The hearts that have been touched and lives that have been changed will never be known this side of heaven!”  

The King James Boys Shine Light on “The Best Selling Book Of All Time”

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL PINECASTLE RECORDS

Nashville, Tenn. – Bluegrass Gospel powerhouse The King James Boys are keeping the momentum alive with their brand new radio single, “The Best Selling Book Of All Time.” Available now on all digital and streaming platforms, the moving anthem is pulled from their latest chart-topping album Get A Transfer. Fans can stream or download the new single and full album HERE.

Written by Christopher Burton, “The Best Selling Book Of All Time” highlights the eternal message of the Bible. Its lyrics serve as a reminder that the Good Book was written by all people and continues to guide lives across every generation and walk of life. The recording features band members Randy Spencer (guitar, lead vocals), Cole Spencer (bass, harmony vocals), Curtis Lewis (banjo) and Will Hart (mandolin, harmony vocals). The new single follows on the heels of their chart-topping anthem “The News That Never Changes,” which is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Gospel Weekly Airplay Chart, where it has spent multiple weeks at the top since its late-spring release.

The momentum continues for Get A Transfer, which has become one of the biggest projects of The King James Boys’ career. The album has spent 23 consecutive weeks in the No. 1 position on the Roots Music Report Gospel Bluegrass Album Chart, where it debuted earlier this year, and earned a glowing 5-star review from the publication. The collection has also produced multiple hits including the lead single “Glory Ride” and fan-favorite “Ready and Waiting.”

Based in the upstate of South Carolina, The King James Boys have been carrying the message of Bluegrass Gospel for over 30 years. Since their beginnings in 1994, the group has dedicated their mission to preserving and promoting the gospel through heartfelt harmonies, uplifting performances and a sound rooted in tradition. Over the years, they’ve earned a reputation as one of the genre’s most consistent voices, blending their faith with a genuine passion for connecting with audiences everywhere. Today, they continue to build on that legacy with sincerity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to the music’s timeless message.

With a jam-packed touring schedule throughout 2025, The King James Boys are taking their message nationwide. Looking ahead, they’re set to kick off 2026 aboard Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, January 15-19. To learn more about The King James Boys, find upcoming tour dates, or stream/purchase Get A Transfer, visit their official website at www.thekingjamesboys.com.

The Rogers Family signs with Horizon Records, announces new single

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (September 2, 2025) — Horizon Records announced today that it has signed The Rogers Family of North Carolina to their roster of Southern Gospel artists. The announcement comes simultaneously with news of the group’s debut single for the label, “He’s Still God,” now available for pre-save/add ahead of its September 26 release.

“A couple years ago at my home church, Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, The Rogers Family had been invited to be a part of our annual Jubilee week,” recalls Horizon Records A&R Director Greg Bentley. “I had not heard of them before, but introduced myself since I do house sound for the church and got them set up and ready for sound checks. Not knowing what to expect, they kicked off the first song — and I’m sure that if anyone had been watching my face, they would have seen a big smile come up as the Family dove right in!”

“Since that day,” he adds, “I’ve watched them very closely and have gotten to know them much better. Not only is their God-given talent obvious, but their love for what they do and for the people they sing to is clear as well. I am beyond excited to start this journey with The Rogers Family on Horizon Records, and have already seen the Gospel music fan base embracing them. With Roger Talley at the producer’s desk and with his expertise in family harmonies, I know we are going to create something the world is going to fall in love with.”

Carrying on a tradition — and a name — that began when Ray & Helen Rogers founded The Rogers Family with their daughter Kim, the group now consists of Kim Shields on piano and her singing children: Samuel, who plays bass and guitar, Rebekah and Hannah. Their label debut, “He’s Still God,” features the group’s own creative arrangement of the song’s triumphant celebration of God’s everlasting power.

“We are thrilled,” the group says, “to begin this partnership with Crossroads, and look forward to working with Roger Talley and the rest of the team to create uplifting gospel music that will encourage the listener and magnify the Savior!”Pre-save/add “He’s Still God” HERE.

Eighteen Mile releases debut single,”Above The Clouds”

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

SPECIAL: MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC COMPANY

August 29, 2025 — Newly signed to Mountain Home Music Company, bluegrass gospel quintet Eighteen Mile took shape when young musicians performing in the ministry-supporting Steve Pettit Band felt called to seek their own professional path after wrapping up an album with producer Andy Leftwich, who recommended them to the label’s attention. For their debut Mountain Home single, the group presents “Above the Clouds,” a gently flowing meditation on the blessing of assurance.

“I wrote ‘Above the Clouds’ during a season when I was wrestling with uncertainty and learning to trust God more deeply,” says the song’s lead vocalist and Eighteen Mile bassist, Hallie Ritter. “The song became a reminder to myself that no matter what we face — doubt, anxiety, or pain — God is steady and present above it all. I wanted the music to feel hopeful, something that lifts listeners up and reminds them that the sun still shines above every storm.”

Bandmates Carson Aaron (guitar, mandolin) and Emily Guy complement Ritter’s confident voice on the chorus’s elegantly phrased simplicity:

This old world can’t hold me down, I’ve got another life I’ve found
And a greater God
This old man can’t change my mind, I know the sun will always shine
Above the clouds

Eighteen Mile’s other multi-instrumentalist, Jack Ritter, offers some delicate guitar picking that underlines the tranquillity of that other life, while fiddler Savannah Aaron delivers the arrangement’s signature figure that punctuates the song from beginning to end. The combination of vocal strength, sympathetic instrumental work and well-crafted writing exemplified by “Above the Clouds” make Eighteen Mile artists to watch — and to listen to.

Says the group, “We hope this song is an encouragement to listeners in all areas of life who may be dealing with clouds of doubt, pain, and anxieties. The sun will always shine above the clouds.”

“Above the Clouds” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.

Joe Mullins to Step Back from Touring in 2026, But His Musical Journey Continues

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

After nearly two decades of life on the road with The Radio Ramblers, Joe Mullins has announced that his time as a full-time touring musician will come to a close in early 2026. But for the banjo player, bandleader, and broadcaster, stepping off the touring bus doesn’t mean stepping away from music.

As Mullins approaches his 60th birthday later this year, he’s taking time to reflect on a career defined by melody, family, faith, and radio. “I’m grateful for the music, the miles, and the memories,” Mullins says. That spirit is at the heart of The Radio Ramblers’ most recent Gospel release, Thankful and Blessed, which dropped in March. The album title, Mullins explains, perfectly sums up this season of life. Among its tracks is “Even Better When You Listen,” a song that highlights the group’s trademark harmony and heartfelt sound.

For Mullins, music and broadcasting have always been intertwined. “We’re called The Radio Ramblers ’cause I’ve combined the two,” he explains. “I’ve been on radio and on stage with the banjo for over 40 years. My dad did this. Dad was a fiddler, a broadcaster, and a concert promoter. He did all that on the way to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.”

While Mullins is quick to clarify that he isn’t chasing accolades, he acknowledges that the combination of radio and live music has been key to the band’s success. In 2006, he assembled a group of local singers and pickers to meet the growing demand for bluegrass in southwestern Ohio. With his radio network already reaching listeners across the region, Mullins saw the opportunity to create a band that could perform anywhere. From this, The Radio Ramblers were born.

When he’s not on the road, Mullins continues to host daily programming on his Real Roots Radio network. “I do a hymn hour at one and a bluegrass hour at two, Eastern time,” he says. “The combination works well. I also figured out, as did my dad years ago, that if you are a hillbilly picker and you want your records played on air, it helps a lot if you have a radio show or own a couple of stations.”

Though the touring chapter of his career is nearing its close, Mullins shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to sharing the music he loves. As he looks to the future, Mullins sums up his journey with a simple message: thankful and blessed.