Tag: music

The Browns release 25th anniversary recording

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN – The celebration of a new millennium in 2000 brought the uncertainties of technological advances, the election of a new U.S. President and the dawning of the 21st century. In essence, 2000 was a year of transition and change, with elements of both excitement and trepidation, as the world ushered in a new era. Yet like each one before, the new millennium saw the faithfulness of God and His ever-present promise of new beginnings.

The year 2000 certainly produced a new beginning for one family from the rural community of LeMars, IA. It delivered the dawning of a musical endeavor that would grow to impact their small community, as well as the entire gospel music world. Shelly Brown, along with her two sons, Adam and Andrew, and daughters, Jessica and Michaela, officially launched the musical ministry collectively known as The Browns. Since 2015, this family has enjoyed hosting performances at their very own Browns Century Theater in their hometown of Le Mars. The family performs to sold-out crowds five days a week during November and December and is currently in the process of building a brand-new theater that will be open just in time for the 2025 holiday season.

To commemorate their 25th Anniversary, StowTown Records announces the release of 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead. Produced by Grammy-nominated and multi-Dove award-winning producer, Wayne Haun, the recording features Houston’s First Worship Choir, as well as Indian Trail Worship. Just in time for the 2025 summer season, this latest recording effort is a labor of love that showcases the talents of a musical family that has dedicated their lives to bringing joy to audiences worldwide. 

Michaela Brown reflects, “As we look back over 25 years and see how God has opened doors and allowed us to be on this musical journey as a family, we are deeply humbled. We love ministering and making music. The album, Better Days Ahead, is full of songs we love, songs we wrote and includes our theme song, ‘It Will Be Worth It All When We See Christ,’ which we first recorded 25 years ago!” 

This 11-song anniversary collection is indicative of the joy and energy The Browns have been bringing to audiences for 25 years. Their rich family harmonies shine brightly on songs like the American classic “Put A Little Love In Your Heart,” the Andrae Crouch standard “I’ve Got Confidence,” as well as the beloved worship ballad, “Goodness of God.” Additionally, the recording features several original songs written by some of the industry’s most prolific writers. This list includes the title cut, “Better Days Ahead,” a moving anthem, co-written by Shelly Brown, that offers a strong message of encouragement to listeners of all ages, as well as “Stone of Faith” and “Something Good,” both co-written by Michaela Brown. Their current radio single, “I Know What Jesus Can Do,” is already moving up the charts, with no signs of stopping.

Michaela shares how meaningful this anniversary release is to her family, “We love sharing the message of the Gospel through song and love the people we have met and sung to over these past 25 years. We are looking forward to many more better days ahead!”

StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene conveys his enthusiasm for this new release, “The Browns have long been a part of the StowTown family, and we couldn’t be happier to be celebrating this career milestone with the release of their 25th anniversary project. We look forward to what the next 25 years of ministry holds for this incredibly talented family!”

From beginning to end, this recording commemorates a rich musical heritage that spans two and a half decades and has enjoyed much success with no doubt, better days ahead.

25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead is distributed by Sony/Provident and is available on digital platforms worldwide. Stream the full album here.


TRACK LISTING Stone of Faith
Better Days Ahead 
Something Good
I’ve Been There
I Know What Jesus Can Do
Goodness of God
Put A Little Love in Your Heart 
Thank You Lord For Holding Me
Crimson
I’ve Got Confidence
When We see Christ

Holding to Truth: McKamey Legacy Revives Southern Gospel Sound

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (June 17, 2025) — Few tasks are more difficult in the world of music than striking the right balance between embracing the legacy of a great artist and using it as the foundation for a new generation of music. Summoned into a musical ministry by their own devotion to the canon of Southern Gospel’s beloved McKameys, McKamey Legacy â€” Ruben and Peg McKamey Bean’s daughter, Connie Fortner, her husband Roger and son Eli â€” first drew praise for their ability to blend the old and new in 2022 with their self-titled debut for Horizon Records. Now the trio announces with Holding to Truth, another offering that both extends and renews the familiar McKameys sound.

The album is now available for pre-save/add ahead of its August 1 release.

With homespun yet well-crafted backing on guitars, bass and drums by Roger and Eli, supplemented with just a few additional touches from pianists Jeff Collins and Tyler Vestal, Josh Swift (dobro), acclaimed fiddler Andy Leftwich and legendary multi-instrumentalist David Johnson, Holding to Truth keeps its focus squarely on the signature blend of voices and the enduring Gospel messages they deliver. Indeed, from the opening “To God It’s Nothing New” and its assertive vocal, upbeat energy and powerful theme:

We are always in God’s protection, even in the darkest night
Just when everything goes wrong, He can make it right
Though the winds of the world blow strong and clouds obstruct our view
We are safe in His shelter, to God it’s nothing new 

it’s clear that Holding to Truth is perfectly named.

“We are so excited for our new project to be released,” the trio enthuses. “We believe we have a great variety of songs that will help and encourage all who listen. The songs are brand new, with only a couple of older McKamey songs. The styles range from upbeat, to ballad—to even some bluegrass—but they all have a message of Hope for today.  

“We were also blessed to bring the rest of the original group back (The McKameys) to record a song with us. In reminiscing on God’s goodness through the years, we were reminded we are not home yet and there is still work to do…go tell the Gospel story and carry on. We pray that McKamey Legacy continues doing this in this project and in our ministry and that you will be encouraged and blessed.”Pre-save/add Holding to Truth HERE.

About McKamey Legacy
McKamey Legacy is a family trio from Clinton, Tennessee that came to be after 39 years of full-time touring with the rest of their family, The McKameys. After that group retired in 2019, and after much prayer, group members Connie Fortner (Ruben and Peg’s daughter), her husband, Roger Fortner and their son, Elijah Fortner felt the call from God to continue the legacy of their family and they began traveling and singing again in 2021 as McKamey Legacy. The group will be touring on a part-time basis, performing songs that were loved and most requested from their McKamey days as well as some new songs that fit their message. Sharing the Gospel in song to a lost world and sharing the message of hope to discouraged Christians is their goal, following God in everything that they do and bringing Glory to God in all things done by them.

Legacy Five Bids Farewell to Bass Singer Matt Fouch After 13 Years

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JEFF TURNER

After more than a decade of providing the foundational low end for Legacy Five, Matt Fouch has announced his departure from the acclaimed Southern Gospel group. The decision marks the end of a significant chapter for both Fouch and the quartet, which recently celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary.

Fouch’s tenure with Legacy Five spanned 13 years, during which he established himself as a reliable and consistent presence in the group’s lineup. His announcement comes following extensive discussions with group leader Scott Fowler about touring demands and the future direction of his career.

A Commitment Fulfilled

The timing of Fouch’s departure was carefully considered. Both he and Fowler had previously committed to seeing the group through its landmark 25th anniversary year—a goal that held special significance for the veteran ensemble.

“We’ve had many conversations on the bus about tour and scheduling,” Fouch explained. “We made the commitment to go through the 25th year. That was a special year. It was really cool to do that.”

The decision to leave wasn’t made hastily. Just weeks after the anniversary milestone, Fouch approached Fowler with his final decision. “I went to Scott and just said, I think my time is up. I fulfilled my commitment through the 25th year and then some, but have made the decision to stop traveling.”

A New Chapter in Real Estate

Fouch’s departure from full-time touring comes as he transitions into a thriving real estate career. The bass singer credits divine providence for opening doors in this new professional venture, allowing him to step away from the demanding travel schedule that defines life in a touring gospel group.

“God has really blessed some efforts in real estate career to be able to just easily transition into just doing that and not being on the road for this season of time,” Fouch shared. While he remains uncertain about future musical endeavors, his immediate focus will be on this new career path.
Family Considerations.

Perhaps the most telling confirmation of his decision came from an unexpected source—his children. When Fouch informed his sons about his departure from Legacy Five, their response provided the validation he needed.

“When I told my boys, they were kind of quiet for a second and then Kingston said, ‘So does that mean you get to spend more time with us?'” Fouch recalled. “And it was like, okay, that’s good choice is the right time.”

This moment underscored what many touring musicians grapple with—the balance between career demands and family life. For Fouch, the opportunity to be more present for his children became a decisive factor in his transition away from the road.

Looking Forward

As Legacy Five prepares to move forward without Fouch’s familiar bass foundation, the group faces the challenge of finding a replacement who can match both his musical contributions and professional reliability. The departure of any long-term member inevitably brings change, but Legacy Five’s quarter-century of experience navigating the gospel music landscape positions them well for this transition.

For Fouch, the future holds the promise of a different kind of success—one measured not in miles traveled or stages performed upon, but in time spent with family and growth in a new professional arena. His 13-year journey with Legacy Five represents not just a career phase, but a significant contribution to the ongoing legacy of Southern Gospel music.

The Southern Gospel community extends its best wishes to Matt Fouch as he embarks on this new chapter, while Legacy Five continues their musical mission with renewed focus and the enduring impact of his faithful service over more than a decade.

The Inspirations announce upcoming album,Up Above The World So High

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AMY TURNER / CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 28, 2025) — Their receipt of the esteemed Singing News Favorite Artist of the Year award is only a few months in the rear-view mirror, and the ascent to the top of the charts by their latest single, “My Name’s Already There,” is more recent still, but the young men making up the refreshed lineup of legendary quartet, The Inspirations, are hardly letting the grass grow under their feet. Teamed for the first time with producer/pianist Roger Talley, The Inspirations are back from the ever-flowing well of tradition with Up Above The World So High, a new collection for Horizon Records — now available for pre-save/add ahead of its July 18 release — that’s sure to bring joy to any listener whose soul has ever resonated with the classic Inspirations sound.
“I attended my very first Inspirations concert in 1970,” notes Talley, “and I’ve admired them from afar ever since then. When they asked me to produce their new album, I got to know them in a far greater capacity by getting on the bus and going with them for a weekend of concert dates. These young men really care about the people they sing to, and I quickly learned how fiercely their fans love and support them in return.”

Indeed, the reasons for the fans’ devotion are apparent from the first notes of the album opener, “I’ll Wear a White Robe,” as Talley’s piano and pedal steel guitar from the group’s baritone singer—and multi-instrumentalist— Luke Vaught ring out with a profoundly traditional sound. At a time when the Southern Gospel tag includes so many modern variations, the thrilling sounds of yesteryear that the quartet — Roland Kesterson (lead), Isaac Moore (tenor), Wyatt Austin (bass) and Vaught — have captured so well serve not only to remind long-time listeners of the genre’s historical heights and offer an introduction to new fans, but center once again the kinds of lessons and stories that have brought comfort and joy to millions through the years.

With its blend of thoughtfully selected classics like the title track, the Luke Vaught guitar-driven “Press On, O Pilgrim, There Is Joy Ahead” and the intricately harmonized “I’ve Been A Walking With My Lord,” and well-matched new songs such as “He’s Still The Same God” brought to life with spirited arrangements that offer each member of the quartet a chance to take center stage, Up Above The World So High captures the musical and spiritual renewal The Inspirations bring to each of their performances.

Says Talley, “I admire their talents, but even more their dedication to serving the Lord and His children. I’m proud to call them my friends, and I hope you enjoy and are blessed by this new project!”

Discover ‘Man on the Middle Cross’ by Sound Street

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 23, 2025) — “We’re so excited to share our next streaming release, ‘Man on the Middle Cross,'” says Jarrod Vanderslice of Sonlite Records’ Sound Street. “This song found its way to us in an unexpected but special way: Debra Talley, wife of our producer Roger Talley, mentioned it to us as a song worth considering. To be honest, we weren’t very familiar with it at first—but the moment we listened to the original version, we knew it was something special. The message gripped us immediately, and we felt it would be a powerful addition to our music catalog.”
That original version, sung by co-writer Rhett Walker, was strong enough to earn a recent Dove Award nomination for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and the Southern Gospel trio leans, with Talley’s help, even more strongly into the song’s country roots, swapping the original’s darker textures and grittier tones for airier, more acoustic touches and framing the clarity of Jarrod Vanderslice’s lead vocal with vivid harmonies from daughter Jaylee Vanderslice and family friend Ryan Bilby. From start to finish, Sound Street’s take on “Man on the Middle Cross” transforms an already powerful song into a moving celebration of Christ’s gift to sinners.

“The story behind this song is one we can all relate to,” says Jarrod. “On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, two men hung beside Him—two sinners, two different responses. One was broken and full of regret, recognizing his need for mercy. The other was hardened, defensive, and convinced it was too late for him. If we’re honest, at some point in life, we’ve all been like one of those men. We’ve all faced moments of fear, regret, or the feeling of being too far gone. But then—there’s Jesus. The Man on the Middle Cross. The One who took the worst of us and gave us the best of Himself. The One who made a way for redemption, no matter who we are or what we’ve done.

Musically, this song has a fresh, modern country feel, blending heartfelt storytelling with a melody that stays with you long after the final note. It’s the kind of song that not only fits our style but truly reflects the heart of what we want to share—hope, grace, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. We can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Listen to “Man on the Middle Cross” HERE.

About Sound Street
Oklahoma-based trio Sound Street is Jarrod Vanderslice, his daughter Jaylie Vanderslice and long-time family friend Ryan Bilby.

Established in July of 2020, Sound Street has garnered the attention of southern gospel music fans and tastemakers alike. The trio was selected out of the Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage during the National Quartet Convention in 2021 and was nominated in the top 10 for favorite new artist 2022’s Singing News Fan Awards. Their radio single “I’ll Take The Old Highway” peaked at #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’ Top 100 and “The Old Story” debuted at #67 on Singing News’ March 2022 chart.

Performing more than 80 dates a year, Sound Street has been inspiring and communicating the message of the Gospel through their music to all audiences.