Tag: music

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.

Harold Reed Returns as Tenor Vocalist for The Kingsmen

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JEFF TURNER

The legendary Kingsmen Quartet has announced a significant and heartfelt addition to their current lineup, welcoming back veteran tenor vocalist Harold Reed. The news broke on July 5 at the Singing in the Smokies event, where Reed made his official return to the group — a move that has delighted both fans and members of the ensemble alike.

After much prayer, reflection, and unexpected turns along the way, the Kingsmen expressed their excitement about having Harold rejoin their ranks. Reed, who was previously a member of the group throughout the 2000s, became known for standout performances on fan favourites such as “I Knew It Was Him” and the #1 classic “God Saw a Cross.”

Alan Kendall, Kingsmen baritone and stage manager, shared the story behind Reed’s return: “We were thrilled when Harold simply agreed to fill in with us while we searched for a tenor. We immediately felt a great chemistry and camaraderie with Harold, and he eased back into his former post so naturally. Little did we know that Harold was wrestling with the calling to return to singing full-time.”

Following several weeks of prayerful consideration and conversations with his wife Katie, Reed confirmed his decision to rejoin the Kingsmen during the recent Squire Parsons Memorial event. Kendall continued, “Not only does Harold match the youth and energy of Cole Watson and Brady Jones with his more than 35 years of experience in gospel music, but he’s also brought a level of spiritual wisdom and discernment that has enriched our performances. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back.”

For his part, Harold Reed shared his heartfelt enthusiasm about the decision. “When I left the road and quit singing several years ago, I would never have imagined that I’d be back out here. When the door opened again with the Kingsmen, I offered to fill in — something else I never thought I’d do. I was nervous and excited at the same time! The Lord finally made it overwhelmingly clear to me and Katie that this was the right time. It’s an honour and a privilege that after more than 30 years, I can come back and again sing with my all-time favourite group.”

Reed also expressed excitement about being part of the Kingsmen’s 70th anniversary celebrations, which are quickly approaching in 2026. The group is in the final stages of preparing a commemorative anniversary album, a special tour, and a documentary directed by Evan Bradford. In addition, Kingsmen alumnus Bryan Hutson and gospel music enthusiast Josh Griffin have launched a new podcast, Behind the Crown, dedicated to the history and ongoing journey of the Kingsmen Quartet.

Ray Dean Reese, Kingsmen owner, Hall of Famer, and 58-year veteran of the group, shared his reflections on this new chapter: “Even now, as I spend more time relaxing at home, I still sit in my office, work a little bit, and reflect on God’s many blessings over the years. I am so proud and excited about today’s group of Kingsmen. Brandon, Alan, Cole, Brady, and Harold… What a team to carry us forward!”

The Kingsmen also took time to express their sincere appreciation to Blake Buffin, Landon Farris, and Devin Smith for stepping in during this period of transition. Special thanks were extended to Jonny Baker of the Melodyaires Quartet for his invaluable support.

As the Kingsmen look ahead to their milestone anniversary, fans of Southern Gospel music can anticipate new music, fresh stories, and timeless classics delivered by a group that continues to inspire with faith, heart, and harmony.

For more information about upcoming tour dates, the anniversary album, or the Behind the Crown podcast, visit the Kingsmen’s official website or follow them on social media.

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – July 2025

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DAVID INGRAM

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

  1. Motel Bible — Scotty Inman (Daywind/New Day)
  2. God Won’t — Nelons (featuring Autumn Nelon Streetman) (Daywind/New Day)
  3. He Remembers My Sin No More — Kramers (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  4. God Has Heard Your Cry — Taylors (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  5. More — Allens (ARS/New Day)
  6. Goodness And Mercy — Lee Park Worship (Vital Records/New Day)
  7. Standing With You — The Sound (New Day Records/New Day)
  8. Troubled — LeFevre Quartet (with Joseph Habedank) (Daywind/New Day)
  9. 99 1/2 — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  10. Kick Up My Heels And Sing — Guardians (Daywind/New Day)
  11. More Than A Hollow Hallelujah — Isaacs (House of Isaacs)
  12. He Will Hold You Through It All — Endless Highway (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  13. Free — Brian Free & Assurance (Daywind/New Day)
  14. That’s What Faith Looks Like — Karen Peck & New River (Daywind/New Day)
  15. Still Under His Feet — Anthem Edition (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  16. Mercy River — Down East Boys (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  17. Jesus Stays — Jim & Melissa Brady (Daywind/New Day)
  18. Sunshine On A Cloudy Day — Jeff & Sheri Easter (with The Archers) (Gaither Music/Capitol Christian)
  19. Build An Altar — Sunday Drive (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  20. Nothing Greater Than Grace — Mercy’s Well (Independent)
  21. All Of God’s Children — Right Road Quartet (ARS/New Day)
  22. No Better Time — Kingdom Heirs (Sonlite/Crossroads)
  23. Love ‘Em Where They Are — Gaither Vocal Band (Spring House Music Group)
  24. I Saw Angels Today — 2nd Chance Ministries (Independent)
  25. Rise Up — Gold City (New Haven/Provident-Sony)
  26. Undefeated — Steeles (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  27. None But Jesus — Erwins (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  28. Deep Waters — Triumphant Quartet (StowTown/Provident-Sony)
  29. The Ladder — Freemans (ARS/New Day)
  30. Child Of The King — Old Time Preachers Quartet (REAL Southern Gospel Records)