Tag: new-music

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 Steve Ladd’s Inspirational Song ‘Everyday Saints’

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Steve Ladd is getting ready to release a new EP. Ladd shared that his part in the project is complete, and the background vocals, mixing, and mastering are currently being finalized. He also mentioned that they are trying to get a special guest for one of the songs, which he is excited about but cannot yet reveal.

Ladd’s previous album, “Come Up Clean,” featured Jason Crabb as a guest artist, something he is very proud of. This new EP will include a song titled “Everyday Saints”. The lyrics of “Everyday Saints” tell stories of ordinary people who demonstrate love and grace in their daily lives. One verse describes a veteran who volunteered for service and now helps others with practical needs. Another tells the story of a woman who takes care of foster babies. The song suggests that these everyday actions are examples of what Jesus would do. The lyrics emphasize that these individuals are not seeking recognition but are simply living out their faith.

Steve Ladd has a long history in Christian music. From a young age, growing up in Ohio as the son of an evangelist, he felt called to minister through song. He has been a part of acclaimed Christian music groups such as Gold City, The Anchormen, and Anthem Edition. For over ten years, Ladd has travelled both within Canada and internationally, sharing inspirational songs like “Come Sunday Morning,” “One More River,” and “Preach the Word”.

Professionally, Steve Ladd has received recognition, including being inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and receiving a “New Artist of the Year” nomination. His song with Jason Crabb reached Number One on the charts, and he has had seven Top 40 singles. His album “Come Up Clean” reached the Top 20 on the iTunes Christian music chart upon its release. Ladd has also been featured in significant Christian platforms such as the Gaither Homecoming Series and Trinity Broadcasting Network, and he appeared on National Public Radio. Notably, he was the featured vocalist with The Stamps Quartet on Alan Jackson’s Grammy-winning album “Precious Memories Volume II”. He has also toured with gospel music legend Michael English.

Reflecting on Steve Ladd’s talent, Michael English, a Grammy and Dove-winning Gospel Music Artist, said, “Steve’s a talented man with one of the greatest hearts I’ve known, and an even greater heart for Ministry”. This sentiment describes Ladd’s dedication to his music. His upcoming EP and the song “Everyday Saints” continue his journey of sharing messages of faith and encouragement through his songs.

Anthem Edition’s New Gospel Album Promises Kept

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

2024 has proven to be a transformative year for Anthem Edition, the gospel quartet formerly known as The Old Paths. Following the success of their 2023 holiday album, Here Comes Christmas, the group has undergone changes, including the addition of tenor singer Cameron Edens, and the release of three singles: “Graveyard,” “Still Under His Feet,” and “Running.” The group’s latest project is Promises Kept and is released through Sonlite Records.

Tim Rackley, founding member and lead singer of Anthem Edition, says this album represents a meaningful milestone for the group. “This album is special to us,” said Rackley. “It marks the first time we’re making music together as a team with Cameron Edens and Andrew Utech, alongside our longtime brother, Doug Roark. These songs are a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness, and we can’t wait for you to experience the message of hope and promise we’ve poured our hearts into.”

The album opens with the energetic track “Every Promise Made Is a Promise Kept,” written by Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox. Featuring a country-inspired arrangement and lively quartet harmonies, the song’s lyrics introduces the album’s central theme of God’s steadfast faithfulness:

There’s never been a time that He’s not faithfulNever been a day His words aren’t trueNever been a moment that our God won’tDo just what He said He’d doHe’s never ever failed to keep one yetEvery promise made is a promise kept.

Roger Talley, the producer of Promises Kept, praised the group’s dedication and renewed energy during the project’s creation. “I thoroughly enjoyed producing this new EP for Anthem Edition,” Talley shared. “They approached this project with a renewed passion and more energy than they have ever had before. We found some great new songs to express their commitment to singing the Gospel with a new excitement that I can’t wait for you to hear. A unique feature of this project is the number of uptempo songs they have chosen. For anyone who has ever complained about too many slow songs, this project is for you!”

With Promises Kept, Anthem Edition builds on their storied history while embracing a new chapter with Edens and Utech as part of their lineup.

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – December 2024

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DAVID INGRAM

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

1 Down East Boys – Graveyard
2 Gold City – When it’s gone for good
3 Collingsworth Family – Praise The Lord
4 Red Words – The Erwins
5 Jim And Melissa Brady – Covered
6 LeFevre Quartet – The Things We Cannot Change
7 The Sound – Jeans and Jesus
8 Down East Boys – Something to shout about
9 Earnie Haase & Signature Sound – You’ll find Him there
10 The Kramers – I Know There’s a Heaven
11 Brian Free & Assurance – Grateful For the Gospel
12 Gordon Mote – He Forgives and Forgets
13 Kingdom Heirs – Until prayer changes me
14 Heart 2 Heart – When The Saints Begin To Pray
15 The Hoppers – Glory Up Ahead
16 Les Butler and Friends – My Bible
17 Sound Street – Through the furnace fire
18 Susan Whisnant – Faith In Place
19 Lee Park Worship – Why Wouldn’t I Run
20 Nelons – There’s a Hole in the Heart
21 Lauren, Amber & Kenna – Won’t be me
22 The Allens – Cross Over (Radio Edit)
23 Exodus – Blood-bought child of the king
24 Scotty Inman – Man On The Middle Cross
25 Doug Anderson – Until it was me
26 The Bibletones – I’m standing firm
27 2nd Chance Ministries – Find My Hallelujah
28 Triumphant Quartet – Big old stone

29 TrueSong – Jesus 1 Death 0

30 The Chitans – Shoulder to Shoulder

Karen Peck & New River Teases New Album After Months of Preparation

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JEFF TURNER

Southern Gospel fans are eagerly anticipating the next release from Karen Peck & New River, a group that has been a staple in the genre since its formation in 1991. With six Grammy nominations and Karen Peck Gooch’s 2021 induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the group has consistently delivered powerful and uplifting music.

Karen Peck & New River has been hard at work on their forthcoming album, though the title remains undecided. “We have quite a few songs that could be a title,” Karen Peck Gooch shares. “‘Be Ready’ is a great title.” While the title is still being finalized, one thing is certain: the group is confident in the direction of the new project. “I really think that we’re in good shape as far as the focus and the direction we’re heading with this album.”

Fans can expect the same heartfelt messaging that has made the group a Southern Gospel mainstay. “We just want our music to be relevant,” Gooch adds. “We want to keep moving forward because we can’t stay where we are.”

As the release date approaches, anticipation grows for what promises to be another meaningful and impactful album from Karen Peck & New River.