Tag: music

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.

A Busy Summer for the Williamsons!

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SPECIAL AG PUBLICITY / AMY TURNER

Nashville, TN (July 10, 2025) — REAL Southern Gospel recording artists, The Williamsons, have hit the ground running for this summer season.

Their current single, “Message to the World,” written by group member Lisa Williamson, is making waves across the United States and has secured a spot in both the Singing News and Scoops Magazine Top 40 charts this month, as well as reaching the Top 20 in the Singing News Weekly Chart.

Provided by YouTube; â„— 2022 Family Music Group; Lisa Williamson/Eternal Homestead Pub/BMI, williamsonsmusic.com

The group has also been hard at work in the studio, recording their upcoming album under the REAL Southern Gospel label, with their long-time producer Les Butler at the helm. As always, Les’s productions showcase some of the finest musicians, songwriters, and orchestrations in Southern Gospel music. Early indications suggest this could be their best album yet!

“This is our third album together,” says Butler. “I’m as excited as I’ve ever been to produce music with this incredible family and mixed quartet, The Williamsons!”

The Williamsons have performed at many of the premier venues across the United States. Most recently, they were the featured artists at The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where they sang to a packed audience.

Down East Boys Join StowTown Records Artist Roster

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN – One of Christian music’s leading record labels, StowTown Records, has announced the addition of popular quartet, the Down East Boys, to their artist roster. The debut release from the group under the StowTown label is expected to be released this fall, just in time for gospel music’s premier event, the National Quartet Convention, which is set to take place in September.

Since their inception in 1985, the Down East Boys have been making great music and sharing that music with audiences across the country. A mainstay in the gospel music world, their name is synonymous with classic quartet harmony and songs that have stood the test of time. Under the leadership of longtime lead vocalist and manager, Ricky Carden, their music has consistently topped radio charts, as they have enjoyed such popular hits as “Beautiful Valley,” “Beat Up Bible,” “Testimony Time,” “What Love,” “Something To Shout About” and their most recent Top 20 hit, “Mercy River.”

StowTown President and CEO Landon Beene shared his excitement about the signing, “StowTown is thrilled to be partnering with the Down East Boys, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them to our incredible family of artists. I’ve known Ricky Carden for many years, and I love his innovative spirit and heart for ministry! We’re excited about what the future holds with this great group.”

Carden agrees with Beene and says the quartet is also excited about the future and looking forward to producing great music with the StowTown team. “We are honored to become a part of such a great roster of talented artists in gospel music. StowTown has always been at the forefront of our industry as a record label, and we are excited to now call StowTown home. Landon Beene and I have been friends for over 30 years and now, for the first time, we have the opportunity to work together to create and share our music.”

Be on the lookout for new music from the Down East Boys at digital and retail outlets. Additional information regarding The Down East Boys is available online at http://www.downeastboys.com.