Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

High Road’s Sarah Davidson Welcomes Baby After Five-Week Hospital Stay

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JEFF TURNER

Sarah Davidson, member of the beloved gospel group High Road, has welcomed her daughter into the world after spending five challenging weeks in the hospital. Ruth Ann Randolph arrived on Thursday evening, November 14th, weighing 5 pounds, 5 ounces.

During her hospital stay, Davidson remained optimistic despite the difficulties of extended medical care. “It’s been so hard to be cooped up in this place, but I know it’s the right place that I need to be,” she shared.

Sarah expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support throughout her journey, noting the significance of prayers offered for her and her baby.

While medical staff had hoped to delay the baby’s arrival, little Ruth Ann had different plans. The successful delivery marks the end of Davidson’s five-week hospital stay and the beginning of her journey into motherhood.

Gospel Music Legend LaVerne Tripp passes away Friday

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

LaVerne Tripp, a renowned figure in the world of Gospel Music, passed away peacefully on Friday. His legacy spans nearly 60 years of touching lives with his soulful voice and heartfelt songs. Known to audiences worldwide since 1973, LaVerne’s impact on Gospel music is immeasurable.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, his son Terry Tripp shared the news of his father’s passing: “Dad is at rest. A life well lived… well-loved… well left..! He went peacefully in my arms. No struggle… no suffering. I trust this video honors his life and legacy. I am forever grateful.”

LaVerne was born on April 11th, 1944, in Chocowinity, North Carolina. His musical journey began at the tender age of two and a half, and his passion for singing only grew stronger over the years. As a student, he sang at local churches and joined various groups such as The Rangers Quartet, Sierras, Jubilee Quartet, and Palmetto State Quartet.

In 1968, LaVerne joined the Blue Ridge Quartet as their lead singer. His exceptional songwriting and singing skills helped propel the group to new heights. The Blue Ridge Quartet enjoyed six consecutive years of soaring popularity, largely thanks to LaVerne’s contributions. Three of his songs became #1 hits: “I Know” (recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys and The Blue Ridge), “That Day Is Almost Here,” and “After Calvary.”

In 1974, with his wife Edith by his side and their two sons, Robb and Terry, LaVerne left the Blue Ridge Quartet to pursue evangelism through music and preaching. Their journey took them from Spartanburg, SC, to Orange County, CA, where they joined the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in 1979.

LaVerne Tripp’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, musical excellence, and heartfelt ministry. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and were touched by his music.

LaVerne Tripp was 80.

High Road’s Sarah Davison Shares the Story Behind “There’s A River”

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AMY TURNER

In an exciting collaboration that bridges some of gospel music’s finest talents, High Road’s latest track “There’s A River” brings together songwriting powerhouses Kenna Turner West and the Isaacs sisters, Sonya and Becky.

Sarah Davison, excited to share the story behind the song, recounts the moment she first learned about the collaboration. “Everyone knows that the Isaacs are some of the most talented people in the whole gospel world,” Davison explains. “I love their songwriting and I love their singing so much.”

The opportunity came when songwriter Kenna Turner West approached Davison with an intriguing proposition. “When Kenna Turner West came to me and said, ‘I have this song that I wrote with Sonya and Becky,’ I said, ‘Sonya and Becky, Isaacs?'” Davison recalls. Upon confirmation, she knew she had to hear the song.

The result didn’t disappoint. “There’s A River” has emerged as one of the most dynamic tracks on High Road’s latest album. “It’s probably one of the fastest, most upbeat songs on the album and it’s so much fun to sing,” Davison shares enthusiastically.

The collaboration brings together some of Gospel Music’s most respected talents in one spirited recording.

The Message of Hope in Joseph Habedank’s Music

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JEFF TURNER

Many of us know what it feels like to be bound by invisible chains. Whether these bonds come from past mistakes, harmful patterns, or burdensome choices, the weight can feel overwhelming and permanent. Yet, there’s a powerful message of hope found in both scripture and personal testimonies: true freedom is possible.

The Bible speaks directly to this human experience of bondage and liberation. Romans 6:17 reminds us that through our obedience to God and His teachings, we are freed from the bondage of sin and become servants of righteousness. This verse emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience to God’s word, which ultimately leads us to a life of righteousness and freedom from sin. It encourages us to trust in God and leave the consequences of our obedience to Him, knowing that He will guide us on the path of righteousness.

In Galatians 5:1, the apostle Paul encourages believers to stand firm in the freedom that comes from Christ. This freedom is not to be used as an excuse to indulge in sinful behavior, but rather as an opportunity to serve others in love. We are called to recognize the promises of God and not allow ourselves to be bound by the constraints of the world. This verse reminds us that as Christians, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and are called to live in the freedom that comes from our relationship with Christ.

The lyrics of Joseph Habedank‘s Jesus Walked In illustrates this journey from bondage to freedom. Speaking about his own experience, he describes feeling like a prisoner locked in chains, bearing the weight of his past choices. He compares his heart to a cell without a key, a vivid metaphor for the hopelessness many feel when trapped by their circumstances or decisions.

However, Habedank’s song doesn’t end in that place of captivity. He shares how an encounter with Jesus completely transformed his situation, emphasizing how the very atmosphere changes when God’s presence enters our circumstances.

The journey from bondage to freedom isn’t always instantaneous or easy, but both scripture remind us that it is possible. True liberation comes not through our own strength alone, but through a transformative encounter with God who has the power to break every chain.

Mark Conklin’s Gospel Project Earns GRAMMY Recognition

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JEFF TURNER

Mark Conklin’s ambitious project “The Gospel According To Mark” has received a prestigious GRAMMY nomination in the Roots Gospel Album category, marking a significant milestone for the artist and his collaborators.

The album, which tells the Gospel of Mark through a unique combination of song and narration, features an impressive array of talent, including legendary disco singer Gloria Gaynor as narrator. The project brings together a remarkable collection of guest artists, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the gospel music community.

Among the notable tracks is “Make Way,” featuring the powerful vocals of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. The album also includes contributions from an all-star lineup of performers including actress and singer Rita Wilson, country music veteran T. Graham Brown, “The Voice” finalist Wendy Moten, bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent, and country star John Berry.

Reflecting on the nomination, Conklin expressed his gratitude and excitement: “Big shout out to everyone at Stowtown, but also our narrator, Gloria Gaynor, and all of our special guests,” he said.

We’re just honored that we get to tell the story of the Gospel of Mark in song and narration form. Just really excited. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.”

The nomination recognizes not only Conklin’s creative vision but also the collaborative effort of the entire production team at Stowtown Records who helped bring this unique musical interpretation of scripture to life.