Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Impact of AI on Southern Gospel Music

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JEFF TURNER

Leading music publishers from the southern gospel genre recently met to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence or AI on songs, songwriters and song demos within the industry. The meeting was said to be highly productive. Rick Shelton, Vice President of Daywind Music Publishing sums up their thoughts.

“It’s my personal belief that songs intended to reach souls with the Gospel must becreated by souls who are living in relationship with Jesus. If the angels can’t sing the songs of the redeemed, how can we allow algorithms to write the songs of the redeemed?” Said Shelton.

The consortium agreed on several key points:

1- The songs promoted should reflect the heart and efforts of human creators.

2- The integrity of the songwriting and pitching process must remain beyond reproach, applying equally to both music and lyrics.

3- The intended use of AI is never to create the lyric or melody itself, but rather to provide a demonstration of what the original song sounds like.

4- To alleviate concerns artists may have regarding the originality of the songs submitted for their consideration, the publishers are willing to provide a signed statement with each submission, affirming its authenticity.

Furthermore, the publishers said they were committed to an on-going dialogue and education with the songwriters they represent regarding recognition of ethical boundaries.

Members of this committee are Rick Shelton of Daywind Music Publishing, Greg Bentley and Chris White of Crossroads / Chris White Music, Regi Stone and Randy Cox of Blank Slate Music, Joel Lindsey of Sunset Gallery Music and Dave Clark of Sunday Best Music.

Jesus’ Lesson on Change: New Wine and Old Wineskins

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AMY TURNER

In Luke 5:37–38, Jesus shares a simple image. He says that no one pours new wine into old wineskins, because the wine will cause them to break, spilling everything and ruining the skins. Instead, new wine must go into new wineskins. This lesson came when people questioned why Jesus and His disciples did not fast like others. His answer showed that when God does something new, people must also change how they respond.

As the message of Jesus spread to non-Jewish people, the early church had to rethink many old habits. Some traditions had to be left behind, while others had to be welcomed. This was not always easy, but it was necessary for God’s work to grow.

Today, this lesson still matters. We need to be willing to let go of our old habits, attitudes, and behaviors in order to fully embrace the new life that Jesus offers. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we follow God’s fresh direction with willing hearts.

Honoring Parents is a Lifelong Responsibility

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AMY TURNER

The fifth commandment, found in Exodus 20:12, tells us to honour our father and mother so that we may enjoy a long life in the land God has given us. This command does not depend on whether our parents are perfect—because no one has perfect parents. Still, God calls us to show them honour.

As we grow up and leave our parents’ house, we are no longer required to obey them in every matter. However, respect should never end. To honour parents means treating them with dignity, speaking kindly, and never mocking or insulting them. It includes showing them care and trying to bring good into their lives.

Even when our parents are elderly and may live in a care home, we should continue to visit and value them. This is not just a nice gesture—it is our duty as their children. Honouring our parents is a lifelong responsibility that pleases God.

Gospel Music Community Mourns the Loss of Garry Jones

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JEFF TURNER

The gospel music world is grieving the loss of one of its most respected musicians and producers. Garry Jones, an award-winning artist, passed away on Sunday evening, April 27, after a brief battle with metastatic cancer. He was 62 years old.

Jones built a long and celebrated career in gospel music, first gaining national attention as a member of the Pensacola, Florida-based group, the Dixie Echoes. However, it was his work with the renowned Gold City Quartet that left a lasting mark on the genre.

Daniel Riley of Gold City reflected on the deep influence Jones had on the group’s legacy. “I credit Gary Jones with creating the iconic Gold City sound,” Riley said. “As he started getting into producing the group in the latter part of the 80s, it became very popular. Sound that was different than what everybody else was doing.”

Jones’ impact on Gold City continued for many years, with Riley sharing personal memories of their time together. “The last time I’d seen Gary was when we were inducted into the gospel music hall of fame. He came to that, you know, I hadn’t talked to him, he’d moved to Texas and, you know, we lost touch.”

The connection between Jones and the group was renewed when Josh, a former member of Mercy’s Mark—a group Jones had also been part of—joined Gold City. Riley explained, “Josh had stayed in touch with him. And when Josh came with us, it sort of opened that dialogue again.”

This renewed relationship eventually led to Jones returning to work with Gold City once more. “We got to thinking and I talked to Michael Sykes who started this record with us. Where we are right now, we just thought, you know, if we could get Gary in here. And Michael’s like, man, that’s the perfect fit for where you guys are.”

Riley expressed how meaningful it was to see Jones return to the work he loved. “It’s just another cool story of how Gary got back involved. He was in a place in his life that he needed this. He had sort of gotten away from the production and all that. And when he got involved, he really got involved.”

Jones’ career extended beyond Gold City. He was also remembered for his time with The Old Friends Quartet and Canton Junction. Notably, he was a founding member of both Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, as well as Mercy’s Mark.

At this time, funeral arrangements for Mr. Jones have not yet been finalized. The family has asked for prayers and support in the difficult days ahead.

Embracing the Holy Life through God’s Spirit

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AMY TURNER

The Bible teaches us in Romans 7:6 that we are no longer held under the old law, but now live by the Spirit. The law once controlled our actions, but it could not truly change us. Like traffic rules, laws may tell us what to do, but they cannot change how we feel inside. For example, a speed limit cannot take away our desire to drive fast, and signs that tell us to merge cannot make us kind to others on the road.

Real change comes from the inside. This is what God’s Spirit does in us. While the law could only force people to obey outwardly, God’s Spirit helps us to want what is right deep in our hearts. We begin to obey not just because we must, but because we truly want to.

Living a holy life is no longer a heavy task—it becomes something we enjoy. When we fail, we feel sorrow. And when we grow, we are happy, because we want to be more like Jesus. This new way of life is shaped by God’s Spirit, leading us with love, not just rules.