Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

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.

Exploring Second Chances in The Guardians’ Latest Gospel Song

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JEFF TURNER

The Southern Gospel group The Guardians has long been a beacon in gospel music, known for their harmonious blend and inspiring messages. Comprised of John Darin Rowsey, Pat Barker, Scott Mullins, and Paul Lancaster, the group has captivated audiences with heartfelt lyrics and harmonies that reach beyond the stage, touching lives with a message of faith and hope. They are no strangers to the power of gospel music, using it to uplift listeners and spark conversations on spirituality.

Their latest release, Another Life to Give, is a personal and spiritual project that revisits a song written by John Darin Rowsey nearly 40 years ago. This song has held a unique place in the heart of Dean Hickman, a founding member of The Guardians and their first tenor. As Dean recalls, it’s a song that he connected with deeply since they first recorded it with the legendary Larry Goss.

First tenor and founding member, Dean Hickman (The Guardians Website)

“John wrote that maybe 40 years ago, it’s been one of my favorite, the first song we ever recorded with Larry Goss,” Hickman shared. The song’s message, which reflects on what one might do with a second chance in life, resonates deeply with both Dean and fans of The Guardians. “If I had another life to give,” he mused, “you know, when I mess it up, when I do something better, when I be a better soul winner, what would I do?”

Dean’s reflections on the song delve into a common but complex thought—what it might mean to have another chance to live out one’s faith more fully or to take a different path. He shared the uncertainty that accompanies such reflections, saying, “sometimes that’s a scary thought, because would we go down this tree of life and make turns that we think are better and they’re not.”

This theme of renewal and second chances speaks to the heart of the gospel message, reminding listeners of the opportunity to grow and deepen their faith every day. For Hickman, this song’s reflection on whether he could “do it better and…be a greater somewhere for God” if given another life speaks to the universal desire to leave a meaningful legacy.

Another Life to Give is much more than a song for The Guardians; it’s an invitation to consider how each of us can use our lives to make a difference, drawing closer to a purpose that aligns with the gospel. The Guardians’ music continues to reach souls and inspire new reflections on life’s purpose, making this song an especially poignant addition to their enduring legacy in Southern Gospel music.

Chosen Road’s Grassroots Mission to Support Hurricane Victims

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JEFF TURNER

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the bluegrass gospel group Chosen Road found themselves faced with the question: How can we help? For founding members Jonathan Buckner and Zachary Alvis, along with fellow band members Tyler Robertson, Bradly Parsons, and Chris Stockwell, the decision to act felt as natural as their connection to the music and people of Appalachia. Watching friends and neighbors impacted by the storm, they felt a strong call to assist those in need.

Buckner, one of the band’s founding members, recalls the conversation that sparked their relief efforts: “We thought, what can we do to make a difference? We’ve got to do something. If it wasn’t for Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, the kind of music that we play wouldn’t even exist. And the people of those regions have literally fed our family for 15 years.” With the devastation close to home and a deep sense of gratitude for the communities that had supported their music over the years, Chosen Road embarked on a mission to give back.

The idea initially started small. Buckner explains, “We started talking on the bus, and we said, well, we could just stop on the way back from Nashville… fill the bus up with supplies, drop it off on our way in.” What began as a modest goal quickly transformed into something much bigger. With a single social media post, they invited fans and friends to contribute. Within 24 hours, they had raised approximately $15,000—enough to fill not only the bus but also a trailer with essential supplies.

“We delivered those Tuesday morning at 5:45,” Buckner recounts. “We pulled up in Carter County, Tennessee, to Happy Valley High School. Standing outside were about 30 high school students and teachers who had been waiting on us to get there since 2:30 that morning. They were just crying tears of joy, and we were crying because we were just overwhelmed by what we had just seen God do.”

From that initial delivery, their efforts grew into a grassroots movement that has since mobilized aid across the country. Their commitment inspired others to take action, with individuals and organizations from various states sending tractor-trailers full of supplies. “People we haven’t even known have reached out,” Buckner says. “We’ve been able to deliver literally thousands and thousands of pounds of supplies—food, cleaning supplies, water. It’s just been amazing to watch God work through this whole thing, and we’re just so thankful that He allowed us to be a part of it.”

For Chosen Road, the music has always been about community and faith. Through this journey, they’ve shown how those same values can extend beyond the stage, uniting people to care for one another in the face of hardship.

The Craguns: A Gospel Family United in Music and Faith

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JEFF TURNER

The Craguns, a dynamic family gospel group, is made up of Jordan and Elena Cragun, along with Jordan’s father Ray and sister Savannah, the group has built a reputation for heartfelt harmonies and a deep, spiritual connection with their audience. The Craguns’ music is a reflection of their faith and dedication to spreading the message of God’s love and grace.

Their latest song, “Wasted Words,” is a reminder. It shows that no prayer is ever wasted. No sincere cry for help is wasted, nor are any honest words offered to God. Jordan Cragun passionately believes that as Christians, we should never hesitate to reach out to God in times of need or joy. He said, “I am so thankful for a God who cares about everything we face and that we can go boldly to Him with our petitions and our concerns and even our praises, and there are no wasted words with God.”

This sentiment lies at the heart of “Wasted Words,” a song that centers on the idea that every conversation with God is meaningful, whether spoken in moments of joy or despair. The lyrics echo Matthew 6:5–8 as the song song encourages listeners to pray sincerely, without worrying about rehearsing or performing their prayers. It is not the public display of piety that matters, but the authenticity of our hearts. God listens to the words we speak in private, knowing our true intentions.

Listen for “Wasted Words” playing now on Texas Gospel Canada!

The Lore Family have Faith Over Fear on upcoming album

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 1, 2024) — As they prepare for the release of Faith Over Fear, The Lore Family’s fourth collection for Horizon Records coming soon on November 15, Darren Lore is in a reflective mood.  

“Years ago, in a small congregation, the Lord started to grow an unknown family into a singing ministry,” the Southern Gospel singer and songwriter recalls. “The first recording by The Lore Family was intended to serve as a reminder of those earliest years—but God had a greater plan.

“Soon,” he continues, “The Lore Family began to launch out from Southern Ohio into surrounding states. Those first few years of recording, singing and ministry went by so quickly. Fayth and Samuel grew up boldly standing beside Sandy and I on various stages. As a family, we grew musically, professionally and spiritually. We prayed to be united in our cause. We believed in the One who gave us the songs. Now, nearly 20 years later, The Lore Family is still singing for the Lord. What a blessing to be releasing our tenth project!”

Indeed, Faith Over Fear â€” now available for pre-save/add â€” offers a compelling musical testimonial to the power that emerges when an abundance of talent is married to unshakable faith. Built around the four singles the quartet has released in 2024, it’s a collection that spans a variety of musical moods and settings, yet never loses sight of The Lore Family’s underlying, Christ-centered purpose. Beginning with the opening track and first single, “God Said You’re Gonna Make It,” which features both Darren and Sandy Lore on a decades-old popular favorite, Faith Over Fear offers everything from soulful ballads like Fayth Lore Whisnant’s poignant “By Grace” to the bluegrass flavor of the title track, sung by Jake Whisnant, to the expansively orchestrated “There Was A Day When” and “I Wish They Could See Me Now,” to the robust rhythms of the album’s next focus track, Sandy Lore’s spirited reading of “Shaking Off The Dust” and the closing “I Keep Praying” â€” Darren Lore’s contribution of fully half of the album’s songs underlines even more deeply the unity of the Family’s artistic and spiritual approach.

“A lot has changed in The Lore Family over the past two decades,” observes Darren. “Change is inevitable in every life and ministry—but God has remained faithful and true. We know that, whatever tomorrow holds, we can choose ‘Faith Over Fear,’ In seasons of uncertainty, we can rest in Christ. 

“The Lore Family prays that this project outlives us,” he concludes. “Each song has a specific message that will stand the test of time. They’ve been recorded to challenge and encourage you. But, they have already served to strengthen our faith. The lyrics are powerful. Listen close and God will speak to you. Let the melody of each song fill your heart. It’s our heart’s desire that the lost will be found through the Gospel. We want you to be able to say ‘There Was a Day When’ Jesus saved me. Only God knows how He will use this recording. We yield our future to Him. ‘By Grace’ we’ve been saved through faith. And, we know that we will be kept in His care.”

Pre-save/add Faith Over Fear HERE.