The Inspirations to release retrospective collection, Ageless Treasures

CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (March 14, 2023) — Throughout the last few years, the latest generation of storied Southern Gospel quartet The Inspirations were a highlight of the National Quartet Convention, featured on the cover of Singing News magazine, and winners of the publication’s fan awards for favorite album and favorite young artist. As the group prepares to record new music, they are pausing to look back at decades of music with Ageless Treasures, a two-disc retrospective of fan-favorite songs set to be released April 14. It’s now available for pre-order, add or save.

Since forming in 1964, The Inspirations‘ distinct sound has always been instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings — no matter who was singing. This sound carries through the 30 songs on Ageless Treasures, which features #1 songs “I’ll Not Turn My Back On Him Now,” “If You Only Knew” and “I Have Not Forgotten”; fan favorites like “We Need To Thank God” and “In The Twinkle Of An Eye”; and classics such as “They’re Holding up The Ladder” and “I’ll Have A New Life.”

Says lead vocalist Roland Kesterson, “For the last 22 years, The Inspirations have been blessed to have been on the Horizon Records label. Over the span of two decades, we have recorded some songs that have become fan favorites, songs that we still stage today and have requests for each night. Every song we sing is special to us, however, only a few stand the test of time and become ageless, in other words songs that never get old.”

“As you listen to this collection,” he continues, “it’s our prayer that each song not only blesses your heart but fills your mind with memories of the first time you heard them and how God has used these songs to minister to you as well as us. We hope you can once again enjoy our Ageless Treasures.” 

Martin Cook, Founder of The Inspiratons, dies

STAFF REPORTS

Martin Cook, the founder of The Inspirations has died after being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. His obituary says he died at his son’s home in Georgia.

Mr. Cook started the legendary group while he was a chemistry teacher at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. In 1964, four of his students joined him and the storied journey of The Inspirations began. 

Mr. Cook was inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame in 2003.  His contributions to southern gospel music will long be remembered and celebrated. 

Martin Cook was 85.