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Mark Bishop’s Legacy and the Blessing of Grandchildren

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Mark Bishop’s New Song Highlights the Blessing of Grandchildren, and he has released a new music video celebrating the joy of grandchildren. His song, titled Grandkids, reflects on the deep and unique love that comes with being a grandparent.

Bishop recalls that before he experienced this love firsthand, many people told him there was nothing like it. At first, he was skeptical, believing that his love for his wife and daughters was as strong as love could be. However, when his first grandchild was born, he realized that it was, in fact, a new kind of love. His song captures this feeling, expressing gratitude for the blessing that grandchildren bring into a family. One of the lyrics states, “God’s had a lot of great ideas, but the one I think I love the most, has to be grandkids.”

The music video for Grandkids features clips sent in by fans, showcasing moments between grandparents and their grandchildren. Bishop wanted to include real-life experiences in the video to reflect the emotions behind the song.

Sonlite Records 2025

Mark Bishop’s Legacy in Gospel Music

Mark has been a prominent name in Christian music for forty years. A Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist, he has been writing and recording songs that inspire believers worldwide. He lives in east-central Kentucky with his wife, Carolyn.

His career began in 1984 with The Bishops, a family group he formed with his father and brother. Over seventeen years, they recorded numerous songs that became well known in the Gospel music industry. They were featured on television programs such as Nashville Now, Crook and Chase, The Grand Ole Opry, and The Bill Gaither Homecoming series. The group achieved multiple chart-topping songs and industry awards.

Mark wrote many of the group’s well-loved songs and continues to write music for other Christian artists. His solo career, which began after the family group retired in 2001, has been equally successful. He was named “Soloist of the Year” at the Singing News Fan Awards in 2005, and his 2020 album Beautiful Day was a Grammy nominee for Best Roots Gospel Album. In 2022, he received the J.D. Sumner Living Legend Award from SGN Scoops Magazine.

A Message for Christian Families

For Christians, songs like Grandkids serve as reminders of the blessings that God provides through family. The song emphasizes the joy that comes from seeing the next generation grow and learn. It also highlights the special role grandparents play in sharing wisdom and faith with their grandchildren.

As families continue to navigate the challenges of modern life, music like Bishop’s offers encouragement and a reason to reflect on the importance of faith and love.

Jim & Melissa Brady Share a Message of Hope in “Jesus Stays”

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AMY TURNER

The Southern Gospel family has long recognized the talents of Jim and Melissa Brady. Their journey together is one of passion for ministry through song. From their individual musical beginnings to their time with The Shulers and The Booth Brothers, and now as a duet, Jim and Melissa have touched many with their music.

Their latest single, “Jesus Stays,” offers a message of constant support and faithfulness. Melissa Brady shared her thoughts on the song, saying, “I love the line, he’ll never leave you. He’ll never forsake you. He’s always there.”

Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records Jesus Stays · Jim & Melissa Brady Ever Faithful ℗ 2021 Daywind Records

These words reflect Matthew 28:20 that tells us, “…follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(NASB.) The lyrics of the Brady’s song says that even, “in the dark night of the soul when disappointments all you know and your hopes and dreams have all been stripped away,” there is unwavering companionship. The lyrics reassure listeners that “He’ll never leave you. He’ll never forsake you. You’ll never face this world alone.”

Melissa further explained the personal connection to this message, saying, “Because if we can say anything from the past year, actually from our entire lives, the Lord has walked with us every step of the journey, whatever hardship we have faced, he’s always been there.”

The song’s comforting words continue, reminding listeners that “Down every road, he’s right beside you. Everywhere you go, and even when the journey leads to an unexpected place. Every second, every minute, every hour of every day, Jesus stays.” This repetition reinforces the idea of an ever-present support, regardless of life’s challenges.

Through their music, Jim and Melissa Brady share a message of hope and the certainty that, as the title states, “Jesus Stays”.

New Book Chronicles 70 Years of The Kingsmen

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AMY TURNER

A new book exploring the long and storied history of The Kingsmen is now available. Decades of Music, Decades of Memories Volume One by Alan Kendall provides a detailed look at 70 years of the influential southern gospel group.

Southern gospel historian David Bruce Murray played a role in this historical account. He shared his thoughts on his contribution to the book, saying, “Alan Kendall approached me when he was preparing this book about using an article that I had posted on the history of the Kingsman at my website, sghistory.com, and that’s where I traced the prehistory of the Kingsman, how they got started, and when they adopted their name in 1956 as the Kingsman Quartet.”

Murray expressed appreciation for Kendall’s decision to include his work, adding, “I was very flattered that Allen was confident enough in my work that he went to include it in his book. It’s a great look at the Kingsman, and Allen has done a fine job putting it together.”

Fans of southern gospel music and those interested in The Kingsmen’s legacy can find Decades of Music, Decades of Memories Volume One by Alan Kendall on Amazon.com.

The Guardians Face Weather Delay but Share a Happy Message

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Guardians recently had to change their plans due to severe weather. They were set to perform in Hartford, Alabama on March 15th, but the event was cancelled because of the weather. The group shared a message on their website, saying, “We’re praying for all of those in the path of the storm. Stay weather alert!”.

Despite this setback, The Guardians are continuing with their planned tour and are working to get their music played on the radio. Their new song “Kick Up My Heels and Sing“ has a positive message at a time we all need to hear something positive.

Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records Kick Up My Heels and Sing · The Guardians Kick Up My Heels and Sing ℗ 2025 Daywind Records Released on: 2025-01-31 Main Artist: The Guardians Producer: John Darin Rowsey Lyricist: John Darin Rowsey Composer: John Darin Rowsey Lyricist: Rodney Griffin Composer: Rodney Griffin Arranger: Wayne Haun

Pat Barker, who sings the bass part for The Guardians, believes that “the world today really needs something happy!”. He further explained his thoughts behind the song, stating, “It’s just it’s happy don’t we need happy right now we need happy it’s it’s quartet singing all the way around it sounds like the guardians it sounds like a quartet and yes that is me singing the bass many people have asked um yes that’s me we didn’t have to hire somebody in for this one,” he said. This highlights the group’s intention to spread joy through their music, especially during difficult times.

The lyrics of “Kick Up My Heels and Sing,” talk about a “Happy Feeling burst into a song”. It emphasizes the idea that “every day is brand new Mercy walking on the King’s Highway there is Joy on this journey every filled with grace”. The lyrics also encourage listeners to “lift up my voice kick up my heels and sing” and express gratitude for blessings received, as in “can’t stop Count the blessing he gives me”. The feeling of joy and anticipation for good things to come is evident in the lines “I’ve got too many Victory just waiting down the road I’m dancing in advance I’ve got to let it show”. Even when facing challenges, the song suggests that “no one is with me can’t stop counting the blessings He gives me.

Discover Steve Ladd’s Inspirational Song ‘Everyday Saints’

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Steve Ladd is getting ready to release a new EP. Ladd shared that his part in the project is complete, and the background vocals, mixing, and mastering are currently being finalized. He also mentioned that they are trying to get a special guest for one of the songs, which he is excited about but cannot yet reveal.

Ladd’s previous album, “Come Up Clean,” featured Jason Crabb as a guest artist, something he is very proud of. This new EP will include a song titled “Everyday Saints”. The lyrics of “Everyday Saints” tell stories of ordinary people who demonstrate love and grace in their daily lives. One verse describes a veteran who volunteered for service and now helps others with practical needs. Another tells the story of a woman who takes care of foster babies. The song suggests that these everyday actions are examples of what Jesus would do. The lyrics emphasize that these individuals are not seeking recognition but are simply living out their faith.

Steve Ladd has a long history in Christian music. From a young age, growing up in Ohio as the son of an evangelist, he felt called to minister through song. He has been a part of acclaimed Christian music groups such as Gold City, The Anchormen, and Anthem Edition. For over ten years, Ladd has travelled both within Canada and internationally, sharing inspirational songs like “Come Sunday Morning,” “One More River,” and “Preach the Word”.

Professionally, Steve Ladd has received recognition, including being inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and receiving a “New Artist of the Year” nomination. His song with Jason Crabb reached Number One on the charts, and he has had seven Top 40 singles. His album “Come Up Clean” reached the Top 20 on the iTunes Christian music chart upon its release. Ladd has also been featured in significant Christian platforms such as the Gaither Homecoming Series and Trinity Broadcasting Network, and he appeared on National Public Radio. Notably, he was the featured vocalist with The Stamps Quartet on Alan Jackson’s Grammy-winning album “Precious Memories Volume II”. He has also toured with gospel music legend Michael English.

Reflecting on Steve Ladd’s talent, Michael English, a Grammy and Dove-winning Gospel Music Artist, said, “Steve’s a talented man with one of the greatest hearts I’ve known, and an even greater heart for Ministry”. This sentiment describes Ladd’s dedication to his music. His upcoming EP and the song “Everyday Saints” continue his journey of sharing messages of faith and encouragement through his songs.