Tag: music

Eighteen Mile releases debut single,”Above The Clouds”

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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

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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.

Kingdom Heirs Mark 40 Years in Gospel Music and at Dollywood

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JEFF TURNER

This year marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom Heirs, one of Southern Gospel’s most enduring quartets. The group is celebrating 40 years as a full-time ministry in gospel music, along with four decades of performances at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Drummer Dennis Murphy, who has been with the group for more than 35 years, recalls how the partnership with the theme park began long before it carried Dolly Parton’s name. “We were already in place at the park before it became Dollywood,” he says. “We started as a part-time gospel act in the early ’80s when it was still Silver Dollar City. After a couple of years singing on weekends and special events, management offered us a full-time position in 1985. From there, it became an incredible way to share the gospel with people from all over the world.”

The group’s theater at Dollywood holds about a thousand people, giving the Kingdom Heirs the chance to reach audiences far larger than many touring groups could sustain. Their performances have become a fixture for both first-time visitors and loyal season pass holders, helping to establish their reputation as one of the most recognizable names in the genre.

To commemorate the anniversary, the Kingdom Heirs are releasing Fortieth Anniversary, a collection of newly recorded versions of fan favorites. The album revisits songs from across their career, including a medley of three of their best-known numbers — “He Lifted Me,” “I’ve Passed Over,” and “He Locked The Gates.” Alongside these classics are fresh arrangements that highlight the group’s variety, from traditional quartet numbers to a country waltz, a soulful ballad, and other styles that showcase the breadth of their catalog.

Murphy credits the group’s longevity to the many singers and musicians who have passed through its ranks. “During our forty years we’ve been fortunate to have some incredibly talented men come through the group,” he reflects. “Our current lineup is a crowd favorite, and this project captures both the history and the energy of the Kingdom Heirs today.”

As much as the album is a look back, it also serves as a reminder of the group’s mission. “Some will recognize every song, while others will be hearing them for the first time,” Murphy adds. “Either way, these songs carry the same message they always have — one that has touched countless hearts and lives over the years.”

The Fortieth Anniversary album is scheduled for release on October 10.

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – August 2025

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DAVID INGRAM

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

  1. 99 1/2 – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  2. He Remembers My Sin No More – Kramers (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  3. Motel Bible – Scotty Inman (Daywind/New Day)
  4. God Has Heard Your Cry – Taylors (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  5. Free – Brian Free & Assurance (Daywind/New Day)
  6. Kick Up My Heels And Sing – Guardians (Daywind/New Day)
  7. Standing With You – The Sound (New Day Records/New Day)
  8. He Will Hold You Through It All – Endless Highway (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  9. More – Allens (ARS/New Day)
  10. More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – Isaacs (House of Isaacs)
  11. Nothing Greater Than Grace – Mercy’s Well (Independent)
  12. Troubled – LeFevre Quartet (with Joseph Habedank) (Daywind/New Day)
  13. Goodness And Mercy – Lee Park Worship (Vital Records/New Day)
  14. Deep Waters – Triumphant Quartet (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  15. Still Under His Feet – Anthem Edition (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  16. All Of God’s Children – Right Road Quartet (ARS/New Day)
  17. A Million Reasons – Perrys (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  18. Build An Altar – Sunday Drive (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  19. God Won’t – Nelons (featuring Autumn Nelon Streetman) (Daywind/New Day)
  20. So Many Reasons – Tribute Quartet (Daywind/New Day)
  21. Hold On To Hope – Southbound (Daywind/New Day)
  22. I Know What Jesus Can Do – Browns (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  23. Rise Up – Gold City (New Haven/Provident-Sony)
  24. None But Jesus – Erwins (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  25. Sunshine On A Cloudy Day – Jeff & Sheri Easter (with The Archers) (Gaither Music/Capitol Christian)
  26. Love ‘Em Where They Are – Gaither Vocal Band (Spring House Music Group)
  27. Still Faithful – 11th Hour (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  28. Just To Know You – Heart 2 Heart (ARS/New Day)
  29. Prove ‘Em Wrong – Lauren, Amber & Kenna (Horizon/Crossroads)
  30. I Saw Angels Today – 2nd Chance Ministries (Independent)

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.