Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Remembering Byron Steward

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JEFF TURNER

The southern gospel community is remembering Byron Steward, a man who played southern gospel music for more than 30 years including time he spent with spent with Gold City and Tony Gore & Majesty.

Steward passed away Saturday June 4.

Gold City’s Dany Riley said on the group’s Facebook page, “Bryon was a great man. We loved working with him and having him on our bus. We are all saddened at his passing, but we have that hope that says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We know Byron is with Jesus, healed and at peace.”

Funeral services took place Tuesday in Hackleburg, Alabama at the Chigger Hill Freewill Baptist Church, according to his obituary.

Byron Steward was 48.

Arthur Rice appears one last time with Kingdom Heirs

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STAFF

Arthur Rice of the Kingdom Heirs is beginning a new chapter of his life as he leaves the group to become a church music director.

Arthur sang one last time with The Kingdom Heirs Monday.  He offered these thoughts to the group, the audience at The Showstreet Palace Theatre and an audience of thousands watching online.

“God’s been faithful to us, “he told the crowd as he spoke about the group’s future.

“We’ve been through some things that, we shouldn’t be here.  I mean, the world looked at us and said, ‘ya’ll are done.’ But you know what, God wasn’t done with us. And these boys are going to go on. God’s always got a plan. He’s always got somebody. And these boys are going to go on and be solid as a rock,” he said.  

We wish Arthur well as he begins his new role at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, NC.

The Kingdom Heirs posted the following press release to the group’s website:

Hello friends and dear supporters of the Kingdom Heirs. We would like to thank each of you for your devoted commitment to us over the years. Your loyalty is the greatest example of God’s grace that we know. Today we come to you with news that may come as a shock. Please know the decisions that were made were out of a prompting from the Holy Spirit that could not be ignored. Months ago, Arthur Rice was approached by a church in need of a music director. This church is very dear to Arthur, but as we all know, so is the Kingdom Heirs. After months in earnest prayer over this huge decision, Arthur received confirmation from the Lord to accept the position.

There is no one capable of “replacing” Arthur Rice being that he has a legacy in Southern Gospel that few can compare to. When the group was made aware of Arthurs resignation, it was greeted with a lot of tears and a lot of love. Group owner and bass guitar player Kreis French says, “I was surprised because I had thought this group of guys would take me through to the end, and Arthur has been a friend and mentor for 27 years. But I realize that God sometimes has different plans than we do. I am happy for him and his family.”

We will miss Arthur’s spectacular vocals as lead, the daily laughs both on and off stage, and his encouraging presence. However, we wish him and his family all the joy and success as he embarks on this new adventure.

Upon asking Arthur about this move he said, “In 1995, I moved across the mountains to a new home and a new family. The Kingdom Heirs have been my family for the past 27 years. We’ve had many ups and downs, triumphs and tragedy, but through it all God has been faithful. Even when others thought we’d never survive, we never lost hope or even gave the devil a chance to put doubt in our minds. We were determined to finish what The Lord had begun in us. Even during the pandemic when most groups were sidelined, God provided us a place to present a message of hope. I’d never even thought about retirement, as long as the Lord would allow me to sing I had a message to give. And then about 7 months ago, God started dealing with my heart about a change. No one likes change and especially after this long. Surely I was misunderstanding what was going on. So I started really praying and seeking God’s will. I had no idea what it was or what He wanted me to do but as the days, weeks and months moved on the Lord confirmed He had something else for me to do. About two months ago I started a conversation with a church. After much prayer and careful consideration, I have accepted a position to serve as music director. I will be announcing where in a few days. I’ve realized that this opportunity is the right path and direction for me and my family. We covet your prayers as we move forward.

To Kreis and Dennis; we’ve been through a lot together but our friendship and resolve has never faltered. To the rest of the guys, y’all are my boys; ain’t nobody any more consistent, day in, day out. Solid as a rock. It’s been an honor serving with you all. To the fans; thank you for loving us through it all, the best is yet to come. To Dollywood; thank you for a platform to tell the world about Jesus. What an incredible place to work. Please be praying for the guys as they move forward. I’ve heard them and it’s going to be awesome. Hook forward to continuing to help produce some music for them. I love y’all.”

So, what is next for the Kingdom Heirs? After time spent in prayer, the group has a solution that is hoped to result in a very smooth transition onward and upward. Loren Harris is moving to Lead and Andy Stringfield will be singing Baritone and playing keys.

French says “Going forward, there is excitement within the group as we adjust to our new roles. Our goal has always been and will continue to be to spread the word in the most upbeat and positive way possible. We plan to continue to travel and perform at Dollywood for as long as the Lord allows.”

Though we have done everything we can to make this an easy transition, there is a lot of work to be done when forming a new and solid sound. As Arthur so well worded, we have faced so many “ups and downs, triumphs and tragedy,” BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL! We each desire your prayers as we move forward in God’s calling on our lives.

With so much love, The Kingdom Heirs

Kingsmen, Endless Highway and Jeff Collins take home Absolutely Gospel Music awards

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CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 23, 2022) — Horizon & Sonlite Records artists The Kingsmen and Endless Highway and producer Jeff Collins were honored for their work in the Southern Gospel genre at last week’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards held at the Historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee.

The Kingsmen’s latest album, More To The Story, was named Traditional Recording Of The Year. Classic, powerful, and filled with the gospel spirit that has carried the Kingsmen far beyond their western North Carolina origins over more than 60 years of performance, More To The Story â€” produced by GRAMMYÂŽ-nominated Jeff Collins â€” offers a spirit-lifting, crowd pleasing jewel in the ever-growing catalog of the legendary quartet. 

“We are honored to be named among our very deserving peers. This album is special in many ways because it came from our time during the pandemic. Many of these songs speak of encouragement and hope that there’s better days through Christ. We do not take lightly the fact that our peers and listeners still love our music after 65 years,” says the Kingsmen’s Chris Jenkins. 

Endless Highway’s album Come Home won the award for Country/Roots Recording Of The Year. The album, produced by multi-awarded and 3-time GRAMMYÂŽ-nominated Wayne Haun, is a diverse and compelling work that proclaims faith and encourages hope.

“We are simply overwhelmed and honored that our project, Come Home, was recognized among the projects of the most talented artists in our industry,” says Endless Highway’s Jason Griggs. “We are grateful to our incredible team at Crossroads for all of their support and investment in our ministry. We would also like to thank the incredibly talented Wayne Haun for lending his creative genius to the production of this project.” 

Jeff Collins, who produced albums for the Kingsmen, Kingdom Heirs, The Inspirations, 11th Hour, Mark Bishop, Down East Boys and Kenna Turner West throughout the last year, was named Producer of the Year.

“What an honor to receive the AGM award for Producer of the Year! I don’t take for granted the trust that artists put in me for their productions, and I’m excited each time I produce,” says Collins. “Thanks to our team at Crossroads, great songwriters, talented artists, and incredible fans! And thank you to God and His blessings, and for allowing me to have a career in Gospel Music, the best music on earth!”

The Perrys Proclaim the Message of John 3:16 With Latest StowTown Records Release

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SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN (May 20, 2022) â€“ StowTown Records is thrilled to announce the release of a brand new recording from multi-award winning group, The Perrys. John 3:16 features this popular group at their very best, delivering powerful songs that have made them a mainstay in the Southern Gospel Music genre for more than four decades.

This latest recording features 10 songs with masterful production, powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics from several of gospel music’s most prolific writers, including Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Joseph Habedank and Marcia Henry, just to name a few. In addition to the title cut and first single, “John 3:16 Is Calling Out to You,” co-written by Joel Lindsey and Val Dacus, other cuts include “I Think I’ll Just Go On,” “Heaven To Me” and the timeless classic, “That Sounds Like Home To Me,” written by legendary writers Eddie Crook and Aaron Wilburn. For The Perrys, the song that will be especially meaningful is “Calvary’s Touch,” which was penned by Karen McPherson and the late Kyla Rowland. Just before Kyla’s passing earlier this year, she gave this song to The Perrys for this album, and it may very well be the final new recording of a Kyla Rowland song.

Led by longtime group member, Libbi Perry Stuffle, The Perrys have enjoyed numerous honors and accolades, as well as dozens of radio hits. “It has been amazing to see how God has worked in the lives of Libbi and The Perrys over the years,” states StowTown Records President Landon Beene. “They have endured some very difficult times, but God has honored their faithfulness and their desire to always present the message of the Gospel. StowTown is delighted to have the privilege to present this project to listeners worldwide.”

John 3:16 offers listeners victory, encouragement and redemption, as well as the undeniable message of the saving power of Christ. “John 3:16 is probably the most well-known scripture in the world,” Libbi states. “We have never been ashamed to proclaim that message every time we step on stage. It’s ageless, and we will never grow tired of sharing it.”

For Libbi and The Perrys, it was a thrill to be back in the studio with the group’s longtime producer and friend, Wayne Haun. It was also thrilling to have the opportunity to record songs from several writers who have impacted their musical journey in a profound way. “With all the changes we have experienced over the past few years, we are truly blessed to be able to look back and find consistency,” Libbi shares. “Wayne is a longtime friend and producer and always pushes us to do our very best in the studio. He is also great with helping us find just the right songs. We were blessed to be able to include songs written by some very special friends who have afforded us the opportunity to deliver the eternal message that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Listen for John 3:16 on Texas Gospel Canada!

Down East Boys hope to encourage with The Stories We Tell

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CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 6, 2022) — Since 2018, the Down East Boys have been enhancing their reputation as some of the best singers in the genre with chart-topping and meaningful songs — and their latest song, “Your Sins Are Forgiven,” has been no different, quickly climbing the charts. Now, they follow that success with their new album, The Stories We Tell, out now from Sonlite Records. 

The collection is the first featuring the current lineup of singers (lead Ricky Carden, baritone Daryl Paschal, bass Alex Utech and tenor Doug Pittman). The Stories We Tell offers a sampling of all the elements that have contributed to the success of the group’s musical ministry — uplifting songs; thoughtful, creative arrangements relevant to today’s faithful while keeping strong links to tradition; and, above all, singing that gives each voice an opportunity to testify within a tight-knit quartet setting.  

Beginning with “Good In The Good Times,” which features Pittman on a rousing affirmation that “God is good in the good times and better in the bad,” and ending with a horn-driven cover of the popular Hemphills song “Ready To Leave,” the set includes current single, “Your Sins Are Forgiven”; the moving recollection of salvation as a youngster in “The Altar,” featuring and co-written by Carden with Chris Binion; the classic country-flavored waltz time “Before the Cross” featuring Paschal; “Don’t Want A Maybe So,” a call for “a faith that’s steady, stable, sure and strong” that finds Utech making his debut featured vocal with the group; and “The Story They Tell,” another Carden feature, and the song that inspired the album’s title.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been recording with Sonlite Records for almost 20 years. So no need to stop now! We are excited about releasing The Stories We Tell, which is our first album with the current lineup of guys,” says Carden. “Daryl, Doug, Alex and myself worked really hard to find just the right songs with the right messages for the listeners. Our current single ‘Your Sins Are Forgiven’ has already made its way up the charts at radio and streaming and we know the fans are going to really enjoy all the songs. Our prayer is that this set of songs will encourage and brighten your day as you listen to the stories we tell.”

Listen to The Stories We Tell on Texas Gospel Canada!