Tag: News

Ontario Man Awaits Sentencing This Week for First Nation Church Arson

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JEFF TURNER

A court will determine the fate of Emric Thompson next week in connection with a 2020 church fire at Saugeen First Nation.

Thompson faces sentencing on November 27 for burning the Church of Jesus Christ and damaging a worship pavilion with an all-terrain vehicle. The court found him guilty of both arson and mischief causing damage worth more than $5,000.

The incidents took place on September 28, 2020, during a period when several churches in the area experienced fire damage. Thompson stood trial for three separate church fires but was cleared of involvement in two cases. The court found him not guilty regarding the Saugeen Fellowship Baptist Church fire, while prosecutors dropped charges related to Wesley United Church due to lack of evidence.

Superior Court Justice Roger Chown will issue the sentence after hearing arguments from both sides. While arson carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, Thompson’s sentence could range from probation to two years in custody. Prosecutors have asked for a period of probation lasting two years, plus 100 hours of community service after any jail term.

The sentencing hearing begins at 3 p.m. at the local courthouse.

LeFevre Quartet Signs with Daywind Records, Celebrates Milestone Year at National Quartet Convention

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AMY TURNER

The renowned Southern Gospel group, LeFevre Quartet, has entered a new chapter in their musical journey, announcing their signing with Daywind Records. This partnership comes after seven successful years with New Day Records, during which the group released four albums and earned multiple award nominations, including several #1 singles.

The signing was made official at the 2024 National Quartet Convention, a major event in the Southern Gospel music world. At the convention, the LeFevre Quartet also celebrated their nomination for the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Album of the Year, honoring their project Nobody Like Jesus. This double milestone marks a significant year for the group as they continue to build on their legacy in the Southern Gospel community.

The LeFevre Quartet, consisting of Mike LeFevre (Baritone), Jordan LeFevre (Lead), Jonathan Price (Tenor), Daniel Ashmore (Bass), and Channing Eleton (Pianist), has been performing for nearly two decades. Known for their tight harmonies, energetic performances, and dedication to sharing the message of hope through Gospel music, they have built a strong reputation within the genre.

With this new partnership with Daywind Records, the group looks forward to expanding their reach. Daywind Records, a prominent label in Southern Gospel, will offer the LeFevre Quartet opportunities to continue producing impactful music that resonates with fans worldwide. The collaboration is also seen as a homecoming, with the group’s connection to Daywind’s Director of Artist Relations, Dusty Wells, being a key part of their relationship.

Wells expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are signing the LeFevre Quartet to a new long-term contract. They have an incredible legacy of ministry and music, and I’m excited to work with them on new projects.” He also praised Mike LeFevre for his dedication and leadership within the group.

Mike LeFevre echoed the sentiment, calling the Daywind team “family” and expressing gratitude for the continued partnership. “We are thrilled and honored to renew our relationship with Daywind! They are not just a record company, but are family to us,” LeFevre said.

With plans already in motion for a new album set to release early next year, the LeFevre Quartet is poised to continue their mission of sharing Gospel music with new audiences and longtime fans alike.

For booking information, interested parties can contact the LeFevre Quartet via email at lefevrebooking@gmail.com or by phone at (706) 333-7171.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Gospel Songwriter Rodney Griffin

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JEFF TURNER

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame expanded its prestigious ranks this weekend, inducting gospel music songwriter Rodney Griffin as part of its Class of 2024. The Saturday night ceremony showcased Kentucky’s continued recognition of diverse musical genres, including southern gospel.

“It was really a surprise to me,” Griffin shared about his induction. The renowned songwriter noted the Hall of Fame’s rich musical heritage, pointing out that “it’s full of country bluegrass rock and roll artists from Kentucky.”

While gospel music representatives are fewer among the inductees, Griffin expressed appreciation for the genre’s inclusion. “For them to in 2024 still recognize our genre with that honor was really nice,” he said.

Griffin, who was supported at the ceremony by his fellow Greater Vision members, sees the recognition as more than a personal achievement. He hopes it will serve a greater purpose: “It’s good to try to be a light to those who’ve never heard gospel music so if somehow through this the Lord can reach somebody then that’ll be a good thing.”

This honor adds to Griffin’s legacy in gospel music, cementing his place among Kentucky’s most influential musical artists.

Tribute Quartet Revisits a Fan Favorite with “Come On Let’s Go To That Land”

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JEFF TURNER

Since their formation in 2006, Tribute Quartet has made a significant impact on Southern Gospel music, receiving multiple Dove Award nominations along the way. The group, composed of Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches, and Ian Owens, has built a reputation for their tight harmonies and energetic performances.

Over the years, they’ve continued to honor the traditional sounds of gospel with their Quartet Tribute series. With three volumes under their belt, the group decided to revisit one of their earlier works for their latest radio single. The song, “Come On Let’s Go To That Land,” from Quartet Tribute, Volume 1, has made a fresh return to the airwaves.

Gus Gaches explained the decision to recut the track, sharing how much the song has resonated with the group and their audiences. “We’ve always loved that song. And when we decided that Ian and I were going to go back in and do the vocals on the Quartet Tribute Volume One project, it was one of the ones that we were the most excited about because it just always resonated live.”

The quartet had been performing the song live with Ian Owens, and the response was undeniable. “Once we got the recut, we were like, goodness, people need to hear this,” said Gaches. “And sure enough, we started playing it… and people… begin [saying], ‘Oh my goodness, there’s such an energy with that.’”

The excitement surrounding the track has only grown since its release as a radio single. “We’re excited about it—letting everybody hear it and experience what we’ve known for a while now,” Gaches said. “It’s great.”

Tribute Quartet’s decision to revisit “Come On Let’s Go To That Land” is a testament to the timeless power of gospel music and their ongoing passion for sharing it with their listeners.

Lauren Talley’s Gift to the Holidays: A New Christmas Album

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF / HORIZON RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 8, 2024) — “I’m as proud of this record as any I’ve ever done,” says Lauren Talley of her upcoming album, A Lauren Talley Christmas, now available for pre-save ahead of its November 8 release. “From a production standpoint, bringing familiar songs to life in a fresh way is always a challenge, as is finding new songs that stand alongside the classics. I feel like we really got to expand our creativity here!”

Under the direction of her father and producer, Roger Talley, Lauren combines tradition and originality with finesse. This mix includes the uplifting new track, “Love Reaches Round the World,” as well as unique renditions of Carrie Underwood’s playful “Stretchy Pants” and the heartfelt “Who Would Imagine a King,” popularized by Whitney Houston. The arrangements span lush strings and lively rhythms, infusing each track with the season’s warmth. Throughout, Talley’s voice remains center stage, conveying the heart of each piece with grace and authenticity.

Among the album’s highlights is its focus track, bringing in a special collaboration that holds a sentimental touch for Lauren. “I’m especially excited to have The Inspirations lend their powerhouse vocals to ‘The Son Came Down,'” she notes, adding, “a song I’ve loved since they recorded it 15 years ago.” Lauren’s mother, Debra Talley, contributes an emotive narration, adding a meaningful layer to the song’s new interpretation.

The album also resurrects nostalgia with a reimagined 1988 arrangement of “Sleigh Ride,” a tune fondly remembered by fans of The Talleys. From the joyful swing of “Stretchy Pants” to the soulful medleys of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Rejoice!,” the collection embodies the joyous spirit of the holiday. “My hope,” Lauren says, “is that A Lauren Talley Christmas is an explosion of joy!”

About Lauren Talley

Lauren Talley’s artistry and impact in Christian music stem from a deep-rooted musical legacy. She made her debut on stage as a toddler, and since then, her journey has blossomed. As a core member of The Talleys, she has helped shape Southern Gospel, achieving eleven chart-topping singles and earning a Dove Award in 2015 for “Hidden Heroes.” Lauren’s voice has reached audiences across seven solo projects, including her dual-album release in 2019, Glorious God: Songs of Worship and Wonder and Loudest Praise: Hymns of Mercy, Love, and Grace. Her 2017 record, The Gospel, reached the top of Billboard’s Christian Inspirational chart, while her book Songs in the Night complements her 2010 album of the same title.

In addition to performing solo, Lauren lends her voice to Gaither Homecoming videos and RFD-TV’s The Music City Show. She has appeared on In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and is a popular speaker at women’s conferences nationwide. Her impact was honored in 2014 with an honorary doctorate in Worship Arts from John Wesley University.

When she’s not recording or performing, Lauren supports upcoming artists as a vocal coach and studio producer, giving back to the industry she loves. And despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for sweet tea, Tennessee football, and family.

“My job as a communicator is to give people the truth of the Gospel,” says Lauren. “I want people to know that Jesus is everything — He’s the Answer the world is searching for, He’s the solution to all problems and He’s the only One in whom we have real hope. He called me to give people His message when I was 12 years old, and fulfilling that call is all I’ve ever really wanted.”

A Lauren Talley Christmas is now available for pre-save.