Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Gospel Music Stars Come Together for Benefit Concert to Support Hurricane Victims in North Carolina

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Amy Turner

A group of gospel music’s most iconic performers is joining forces for a special benefit concert aimed at raising funds for hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The event, set to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, NC, will bring together some of the genre’s biggest names, all volunteering their time and talents to aid those affected by the recent natural disasters.

The benefit concert will feature performances from gospel music’s beloved family, The Hoppers, the legendary Kingsmen Quartet, and The Inspirations, fan favorites from the Gospel Music Fan Awards. Other performers include The Littles, a family ensemble known for their harmonious sound, and Band of Brothers, along with some surprise guests expected to make an appearance throughout the night.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Hearts With Hands, a Christian humanitarian nonprofit based in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Founded by Ralph Sexton, the organization provides critical relief to communities in crisis, with a current focus on helping those in Western North Carolina recover from recent hurricanes.

The concert is also supported by the leadership of Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, which has generously opened its doors for the event. The collaboration between the artists and the church underscores the power of community and faith in times of hardship.

This event is set to be a remarkable show of solidarity from the gospel music world, as they come together to support those rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the devastating storms.

Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 – November 2024

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DAVID INGRAM

Welcome to the Texas Gospel Canada Top 30 Songs of November! This list is meticulously compiled based on the actual number of plays each song received in the previous month (October.) The Texas Gospel Top 30 is proudly submitted to top Southern Gospel publications including The Singing News and SGNScoops.

1 Red Words – Erwins – StowTown/Provident-Sony
2 I’ll Get Over It – Endless Highway – Sonlite/Crossroads
3 Wasted Words – Craguns – ARS/New Day
4 Why Wouldn’t I Run – Lee Park Worship – Vital Records/New Day
5 There’s A Hole In The Heart – Nelons – Daywind/New Day
6 Take All Of Me – 3 Heath Brothers – Horizon/Crossroads
7 Jesus 1 Death 0 – TrueSong – Daywind/New Day
8 Graveyard – Anthem Edition – Sonlite/Crossroads
9 He Forgives And Forgets – Gordon Mote – New Haven/Provident-Sony
10 Storms I Never See – Peach Goldman – StowTown/Provident-Sony
11 Something To Shout About – Down East Boys – Sonlite/Crossroads
12 Blood Bought Child Of The King – Exodus – Independent
13 Until Prayer Changes Me – Kingdom Heirs – Sonlite/Crossroads
14 Shoulder To Shoulder – Chitans – Horizon/Crossroads
15 Come And See – Mylon Hayes Family – Independent
16 Jeans And Jesus – The Sound – New Day Records/New Day
17 Covered – Jim & Melisssa Brady – Daywind/New Day
18 Man On The Middle Cross – Scotty Inman (with Jason Crabb and Charlotte Ritchie) – Daywind/New Day
19 It Won’t Be Long – Poet Voices – StowTown/Provident-Sony
20 Sheltered In The Arms Of God – Kim Hopper – Daywind/New Day
21 Your Healing Is On The Way – Greater Vision – Daywind/New Day
22 You Have Always Been My Shepherd – Legacy Five – StowTown/Provident-Sony
23 Praying For The Prodigal – Kingsmen – Horizon/Crossroads
24 I Know There’s A Heaven – Kramers – StowTown/Provident-Sony
25 He Made A Way – Whisnants – Independent
26 Until It Was Me – Doug Anderson – StowTown/Provident-Sony
27 Be Ready – Karen Peck & New River – Daywind/New Day
28 Things We Cannot Change – LeFevre Quartet – New Day Records/New Day
29 Middle Of Nowhere – Southbound – Daywind/New Day
30 Breaking Boundaries – Sunday Drive – StowTown/Provident-Sony

Finding Faith in the Harmony: The Unexpected Journey to Southern Gospel Music

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DAVID INGRAM

The path to loving Southern Gospel Music (SGM) often takes unexpected turns, leading listeners down surprising roads they never anticipated traveling. This genre, known for its distinctive harmonies and messages of faith, has a unique way of capturing hearts—even those who never imagined themselves as fans.

Take, for instance, the remarkable story of Vestal Goodman, one of Southern Gospel’s most iconic voices. While today she’s remembered as the “Queen of Southern Gospel Music,” her initial musical aspirations couldn’t have been more different. As a young woman in the 1940s, Vestal Freeman dreamed of becoming an opera singer. Yet fate had other plans. In 1949, she met Howard Goodman, and their marriage not only united their lives but also their musical destinies, leading Vestal to become an integral part of The Happy Goodman Family.

For Vestal, what began as a departure from her operatic aspirations transformed into a half-century dedication to spreading joy through gospel music. Her perspective on this journey was profound: “I want them to remember that that was a woman that loved God and loved to sing about Him,” she once said. “I want it remembered that I loved singing about Jesus and it’s happiness.” When she passed away on December 27, 2003, at age 74, she left behind a legacy that transcended musical genres, proving that the message matters more than the medium.

This transformation from unexpected beginnings to devoted appreciation for Southern Gospel Music is a common thread in many stories, and something I can relate to personally. I was a teenage radio enthusiast in 1982 and found myself without any connection to radio when my dad was transferred to San Antonio, Texas. Fresh from working at a soft rock station, I landed at KUKA radio as the station was transitioning to a Southern Gospel format. What could have been simply a job became an introduction to the rich musical tradition of groups like The Kingsmen, The Hemphills, and The Cathedrals. Through exposure to these artists and their music, what started as unfamiliar territory blossomed into genuine appreciation.

The Happy Goodman Family itself represents the evolving nature of Southern Gospel Music. Beginning in the 1940s, the group underwent numerous changes, weaving together the talents of eight Goodman siblings—Howard, Sam, Charles (Rusty), Bobby, Ruth, Eloise, Stella, and Gussie Mae. Today, their legacy continues through Goodman Revival, featuring Tanya Goodman Sykes, Michael Sykes, and Johnny Minick, as their appreciation of Southern Gospel Music spans generations.

What makes Southern Gospel Music so captivating to those who might not have grown up with it? Perhaps it’s the genuine emotion in the performances, the harmonies, or the unwavering focus on a message of hope and faith. Whatever the initial draw, many find themselves, like Vestal Goodman, discovering that the style becomes secondary to the message.

The Kingdom Heirs: Crafting Harmony Through Change

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DAVID INGRAM

For Southern Gospel veterans The Kingdom Heirs, 2023 brought unprecedented changes that would have rattled lesser groups. The Dollywood mainstays faced the daunting task of rebuilding nearly their entire front line within just six months, including three vocal positions and adding a new guitarist.

Yet their latest Sonlite Records release, “No Better Time,” stands as testament to the group’s resilience and musical depth. The album serves as both a continuation of their celebrated legacy and an exploration of new artistic territory, seamlessly blending their traditional roots with contemporary arrangements.

The collection of songs reflects this balance, with orchestral elements enriching songs like “Until Prayer Changes Me” while maintaining the quartet’s signature southern gospel foundation. The horn section on the title track adds a fresh dimension to their sound without overshadowing the group’s renowned vocal arrangements.

What sets this album apart from their previous work, including last year’s “Something Good, Vol. 3,” is how it showcases the versatility of their new lineup. The project moves effortlessly between upbeat numbers like “All The Way To The Gates” and more contemplative pieces such as “Already Free.” The emotional range is particularly evident in “Life Hurts, God Heals,” which features some of the group’s most nuanced vocal work to date.

Each member contributed to the album’s development, from song selection to final production decisions. This collaborative approach has resulted in performances that feel both polished and genuine, particularly in tracks like “I Went Down” and the gently rhythmic “We’ll Be Moving.”

The project’s cornerstone, “Until Prayer Changes Me,” has already found success on gospel radio, suggesting that listeners are embracing this new chapter in the group’s story. While the faces may have changed, the heart of The Kingdom Heirs’ ministry remains steadfast, evident in every harmony and lyric throughout the album.Long-time fans will appreciate how the group has maintained their traditional quartet styling while thoughtfully incorporating contemporary elements. The closing track, “Yesterday, Today, Forever Faithful,” perfectly encapsulates this evolution, providing a fitting bookend to an album that honors their past while embracing their future.

As The Kingdom Heirs continue their daily performances at Dollywood, this album stands as proof that even significant change can lead to creative growth when approached with faith and dedication. Through careful song selection and collaborative musicianship, they’ve created what might be their most cohesive and compelling project to date.

Scotty Inman Performs “Motel Bible” with The Isaacs on the Grand Ole Opry Stage

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JEFF TURNER

In a momentous evening this past Wednesday, October 30th, Scotty Inman brought his latest song, “Motel Bible,” to life on the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage, joined by The Isaacs. This performance marked a significant milestone for Inman as he performed the final single from his solo album, My God, which debuted in March 2024.

The song, co-written by Levi and Jimmy Leigh Erie, holds personal significance for Inman. Reflecting on the moment, Inman shared, “I got a phone call from Levi with The Isaacs. He said, ‘What are you doing Wednesday night, October the 30th?’ And I said, ‘I have no idea.’ He said, ‘Well, if you’re free, you’re singing Motel Bible on the Opry.’ And I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’”

For Inman, who has long considered The Isaacs both friends and inspirations, the invitation was a moment of fulfillment. “Man, the Isaacs have always been huge encouragers and great friends to me,” he continued. “The fact I got to sing it on the stage there is literally a dream come true.”

The evening brought together country, gospel, and bluegrass fans, all eager to experience a heartfelt performance that celebrates storytelling and faith. Inman’s collaboration with The Isaacs for “Motel Bible” added a personal layer to a song that’s already resonating with fans of his new album.