Tag: music

Steve Ladd celebrates two years as solo artist with new Christmas single and family milestones

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Southern Gospel artist Steve Ladd is wrapping up another eventful month filled with ministry opportunities, studio work, and precious family moments as he approaches the two-year mark of his return to solo artistry.

Steve Ladd · Michael Booth · Ronnie Booth The Trouble With Me ℗ 2025 Big Picture Records

Ladd spent early October in South Carolina, where he provided music for a four-night community revival series. The unique event featured services at a different church each evening, and Ladd expressed gratitude for both the spiritual atmosphere and the warm hospitality he received. “We were so blessed by not only the services, but also the hospitality of such a sweet bunch of people,” Ladd shared in his recent newsletter update.

The artist made a trip to Nashville this month for a special recording session with his son, Haven Ladd. The collaboration resulted in a new Christmas single titled “No Other Child,” set to release on all streaming platforms November 28th.

Haven, who graduated from Belmont University this past summer with a degree in music production, served as producer for the track. “He truly outdid himself on this one,” the proud father noted. Haven teamed up with Steve’s wife, Maegan, to provide background vocals for the recording.

Between travel and recording commitments, Ladd has been savoring time with his grandchildren. Recent highlights include watching grandson Odin start eating baby food and granddaughter Ari losing her two front teeth just in time for the holiday season. The family enjoyed Halloween festivities together, with Ladd sharing that the grandchildren “bring more joy than they will ever know.”

Ladd closed out the month with a trip to West Virginia, where he visited his brother Johnny. Even the family dog, Toby, was excited about the reunion, though Ladd jokes that the frequent travel may be starting to wear on his canine companion.

As he approaches U.S. Thanksgiving and marks two years since returning to solo ministry, Ladd expressed amazement at how his career has been blessed. “God has been so good to us,” he reflected, noting that supporters who pray for his family remain at the top of his gratitude list.
Steve acknowledged his struggle with timely newsletter updates and jokingly suggested making more consistent communication a New Year’s resolution.

Wilson Banjo Co. releases new song about heaven and belonging

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Wilson Banjo Co. has put out a new single called “Heaven Is Your Hometown.” The song came out through Pinecastle Records and carries a message about faith and finding one’s true home in heaven.

Steve Wilson, who started the band, explained why the song matters to him. He said the opening line asks if people feel like strangers who do not fit in. Wilson said this lyric affected him deeply when he first heard it. He believes the song will connect with many other people as well.

The songwriters Mitch Townley and Andrew Scott Wills wrote about the feeling of wanting to reach a place of peace and belonging. For Christians, this speaks to the biblical teaching that earth is temporary and heaven is the eternal home believers will share with God. The lyrics offer comfort through faith-based images and the hope of reunion with loved ones in heaven.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Heaven Is Your Hometown · Wilson Banjo Co. Heaven Is Your Hometown ℗ 2025 Pinecastle Records Released on: 2025-11-14

Cal Mathews sings the lead vocals on the track. Steve Wilson and Melanie Wilson provide harmony vocals. The musicians on the recording include Steve Wilson on banjo, Jason Fraley on mandolin, Richard Bennett on guitar, Glen Crain on resonator guitar, Leona on fiddle, and Jaime Carter on bass.

The band is working on their next studio album, which will come out in 2026. Steve Wilson leads the creative direction for the group. This year, their previous release called “Lonely As It Gets” performed well on the charts. The collection reached the number one position for several weeks on the Contemporary Bluegrass Album Chart. It stayed in the top ten for 33 weeks in 2025. The release also produced multiple songs that reached number one on the Roots Music Report Contemporary Bluegrass Song Chart.

Wilson Banjo Co. plans to keep making music that reflects their established sound. People can find more information about the band and their releases at http://www.wilsonbanjo.com. The band also maintains a presence on social media platforms. Listen for this and other Gospel music from Wilson Banjo Co on Texas Gospel Canada!

The LeFevre Quartet brings new life to a Southern Gospel classic

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

If The LeFevre Quartet’s new song sounds familiar, it’s likely because Southern Gospel fans have cherished “When My Feet Touch The Streets of Gold” for decades. Though many associate the song with the Kingsmen’s legendary 1981 live album Live – Naturally, that wasn’t the first time it was recorded.

“When My Feet Touch The Streets Of Gold” LeFevres Experience (1975) Songwriter: Conrad Cook Publisher: BMI

The song was written by Conrad Cook and first put to vinyl by the LeFevres (the family group, not the quartet) in 1975. It appeared on their album Experience the LeFevres and made the Singing News gospel chart in 1976, marking an early success for the group with this Southern Gospel classic.

If you’re not familiar with Conrad Cook, you probably have heard some of his music without knowing he was the writer. Cook was a gospel singer, songwriter and pianist for decades starting in the 1930’s. He penned songs like “The glory Road,” Is that the old ship of Zion,” and “Saints will rise.”

When My Feet Touch the Streets of Gold · LeFevre Quartet Here To Stay ℗ 2025 Daywind Records Released on: 2025-06-27 Lyrics by Conrad Cook

The title and lyrics of When My Feet Touch the Streets of Gold refer directly to the streets of gold mentioned in the Book of Revelation, speaking of God’s heavenly city, and also echo the biblical promise of seeing Jesus as described in 1 John 3:2. The song expresses a longing anticipation for the day when believers’ feet will finally touch the streets of gold, when they arrive in heaven and the joy of seeing Jesus face to face.

Listen for When my feet touch the streets of Gold on Texas Gospel Canada!

The newest recording has a modern Southern Gospel sound, but the same message. A great quartet song endures, reminding listeners of the hope and faith that define Southern Gospel music.

When my feet touch the streets of Gold
I am looking for the day when I’ll see Jesus
And His blessed face I shall behold
With the saints of old the half will then be told
When my feet touch the streets of gold
When my feet touch the streets of glory
When I’ve traveled my last weary mile
Will He hold my trembling hand
When before the bar I stand
Will He say my child well done
A crown of life you now have won
When my feet touch the streets of gold
If by chance some happy morning you should miss me
Don’t you weep for me because I’m gone
I’ll be at the feet of the One who died for me
When my feet touch the streets of gold
When my feet touch the streets of glory
When I’ve traveled my last weary mile
Will He hold my trembling hand
When before the bar I stand
Will He say my child well done
A crown of life you now have won
When my feet touch the streets of gold
When my feet touch the streets of glory
When I’ve traveled my last weary mile
Will He hold my trembling hand
When before the bar I stand
Will He say my child well done
A crown of life you now have won
When my feet touch the streets of gold
When my feet touch the streets of gold
Streets of gold

Conrad Cook

More changes announced for Kingdom Heirs, LeFevre Quartet

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DAVID INGRAM

Joshua Horrell is departing The Kingdom Heirs On Monday (October 27, 2025.) So, where’s he going?

“Hey everyone, this is Joshua Harle of, well, now the LeFevre Quartet,” he began his announcement.

“I’m beyond excited about this opportunity to hit the road with these great guys. The LeFevre name has such a rich history in gospel music and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a legacy,” said Joshua.

Joshua is filling the spot left open by Jonathan Price who has served as tenor for The LeFevre Quartet. Jonathan is going off the road to focus on full-time ministry. Now that Joshua is with the LeFevre Quartet, The Kingdom Heirs are immediately auditioning for a replacement for him. You can see all the details about that on their Facebook post.

Joshua spoke of his new role in the Lefevre Quartet. “I am so excited to be able to share the stage with Mike, Jordan, and Daniel, to share the timeless message of hope and salvation through song.”

STATEMENT FROM THE LEFEVRE QUARTET:

The LeFevre Quartet is pleased to announce Joshua Horrell as the group’s new tenor vocalist. Horrell steps into the role following the transition of tenor Jonathan Price, who is stepping away from full-time ministry.
After more than 25 years in music ministry, Jonathan shared that his decision to step away from full-time ministry came only after much prayerful consideration. “This has not been an easy decision,” he said, “but I have peace knowing it’s the right step in this season of life.” Jonathan expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Megan, and their children for their love and support through the years, and he spoke warmly of his time with the group. “Mike and Jordan LeFevre are without a doubt true men of God, and it has been an honor to work for such men of integrity,” he shared. “From my very first weekend with the LeFevre Quartet ten years ago, I knew I wanted to be part of this ministry. Mike, Jordan, and Daniel have become like brothers, and I’ll always consider them family.”
Joining the group as the new tenor, Josh Horrell said he is humbled and excited to carry on the quartet’s legacy. “The LeFevre name represents one of the most respected and enduring legacies in gospel music,” he shared. “To now be part of that history is a dream come true.” Horrell said he looks forward to hitting the road with Mike, Jordan, and Daniel and continuing to share the timeless message of hope and salvation through song.
Group founder Mike LeFevre expressed both gratitude and anticipation during the transition. “Jonathan has been an incredible blessing to our ministry and to audiences across the country,” LeFevre said. “We are so thankful for his dedication, friendship, and faithfulness over his time with us. At the same time, we’re excited to welcome Josh and look forward to seeing how God will continue to use the LeFevre Quartet in this next chapter.”
Jordan LeFevre added, “Josh brings an amazing voice and a genuine heart for ministry. From the first moment we sang together, it just felt right. We believe God has great things ahead for this group and for the people we’ll reach through the message of our music.”
The LeFevre Quartet continues to tour, carrying on a legacy of excellence and devotion that has defined the group for generations. To see where you can find the LeFevre Quartet live, visit their full tour schedule at lefevrequartet.com.

Texas Gospel will let you know who will become the next Kingdom Heirs member once it’s announced.

The Kingdom Heirs release Fortieth Anniversary album

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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!”