Anthem Edition has announced the addition of Kevin Davis as their new pianist, a decision that marks an exciting new chapter for the Southern Gospel group. Based in Villa Rica, Georgia, Anthem Edition is known for its vibrant performances and commitment to sharing the Gospel through music.
Kevin Davis, a California native, brings over two decades of experience in Southern Gospel music to the ensemble. He previously spent nearly 20 years with the Nelons, where he honed his skills and connected with audiences on some of the world’s largest stages. Tim Rackley and Doug Roark, founding members of Anthem Edition, expressed their enthusiasm for Davis’s arrival, stating, “Kevin Davis is a perfect fit for Anthem Edition. His experience, heart for ministry, and unmatched skill at the piano comes at an exciting time as we prepare to release our new album, Promises Kept, in January.”
Davis himself shared his excitement about joining the group: “I am honored to join Anthem Edition in this new chapter of ministry. The opportunity to combine my passion for music and my calling to serve God with a group as passionate and talented as Anthem Edition is a blessing.”
As Anthem Edition continues its mission as a Sonlite Recording Artist with Crossroad Music, fans can anticipate experiencing Davis’s artistry both on stage and through the unique music that defines the group’s ministry.
Sarah Davison, a member of High Road, has recently experienced a challenging but joyous journey into motherhood. After a difficult period, Sarah and her husband Trevor welcomed their daughter Ruth Ann in November. The family faced some obstacles, as their newborn spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before finally coming home.
Expressing her gratitude, Sarah shared, “We are so excited to announce that we got to come home this week from the NICU with our sweet little daughter Ruth Ann who was born earlier in the month of November”. The couple is now cherishing their time together as a family, preparing for their first Christmas with their new addition.
Artist: High Road Songwriters: Kenna Turner West / Sonya Isaacs Yeary / Becky Isaacs Bowman Album: Straight From The Heart Daywind Records
Sarah acknowledged the support they received during this trying time, stating, “We’re so grateful for everyone’s prayers as we’ve been through kind of a rough journey the last couple months.”. She emphasized how much the encouragement and prayers from their community meant to them throughout this experience.
As the holiday season approaches, the Davisons are looking forward to celebrating with their daughter. Sarah expressed their anticipation, saying, “We’re getting ready for a wonderful Christmas together and just thanking the Lord for all of our blessings.”
While Sarah and her family adjust to their new life, High Road continues releasing Southern Gospel music like their latest release, “There is a River.”
Gospel music often captures the beauty of worship and the power of faith. One such song is Legacy Five’s poignant track inspired by the idea that worship spaces, no matter how small, can hold infinite significance. Lee Black of Legacy Five spoke with Texas Gospel about the song offering a glimpse into the creative process and spiritual truths behind it.
The inspiration for the song came from a story shared by Scott Fowler, another member of Legacy Five. Black recounted, “Scott told us this story on the bus one morning of a church in the early days of Legacy Five where they were scheduled to sing… he said they pulled up and the bus was literally bigger than the church building. I think the pastor saw the shocked looks on their faces as they got off the bus and said, ‘Don’t worry. It’s bigger on the inside.’” This phrase, simple yet profound, sparked Black’s creativity. “It really is amazing to me that our infinite God allows himself to come into our little worship spaces… even the smallest country church. So that’s where that song came from,” he explained.
Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records Bigger on the Inside · Legacy Five 25 ℗ 2024 StowTown Records
The song’s bridge is closely tied to scripture, specifically Matthew 18:20, which says, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Black reflected on the connection, saying, “Again, I’m just struck by how small we are and how BIG the God we worship is. And, yet, somehow… when we gather in our tiny worship spaces, He is there!” This biblical truth serves as the foundation of the song’s message, reinforcing the idea that the presence of God transcends physical dimensions.
When discussing his songwriting process, Black revealed the meticulous attention he pays to moments of inspiration. “In the notes section of my phone, I keep a running list of possible song titles… those moments that move me that I feel could be turned into songs,” he shared. The phrase “Don’t worry. It’s bigger on the inside” was one such moment that lingered with him. Upon returning home from the road, he quickly began crafting the song, using vivid descriptions to bring the church in the story to life. “I just started describing ‘that’ church – where it was, what it looked like, etc. I even used some actual street names from my little hometown,” he said. Despite initially believing it might not suit Legacy Five, the song found its way into the group’s repertoire and became a cherished piece for both the artists and their audience.
Legacy Five in Branson, Missouri October 2024 (Courtesy Facebook)
The song’s core message underscores the importance of the heart in worship, rather than the grandeur of the location. “The ‘place’ is so much less important than the ‘heart’ of those who gather to worship,” Black emphasized. “We can be in the grandest cathedral or the tiniest backwoods church – if we come with hearts ready to worship the Lord, He will let Himself be found!” This is a theme that gives listeners a personal connection to the song. “I’ve been amazed at the folks who’ve come by the record table saying, ‘That’s my church!’” Black noted. “Even if you’ve moved on to another church, even if ‘that’ church no longer stands… you still hold sweet memories of the place where you met Jesus for the first time.”
In the larger context of Legacy Five’s ministry, the song aligns with their commitment to sharing biblical truths and encouraging communal worship. Black highlighted the importance of gathering as believers, saying, “I hope people would take away the truth of Matthew 18:20 – that when we gather in the name of Jesus, He is there. And it’s SO important for believers to gather together as His Church.” He further stressed that the physical setting is secondary to fulfilling the mission of worship and discipleship.
Through this song, Legacy Five reminds Gospel music fans that worship is not confined by walls or measured by size. It is the sincerity of the heart and the unity of believers that create a sacred space where God dwells.
LaVerne Tripp, a renowned figure in the world of Gospel Music, passed away peacefully on Friday. His legacy spans nearly 60 years of touching lives with his soulful voice and heartfelt songs. Known to audiences worldwide since 1973, LaVerne’s impact on Gospel music is immeasurable.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, his son Terry Tripp shared the news of his father’s passing: “Dad is at rest. A life well lived… well-loved… well left..! He went peacefully in my arms. No struggle… no suffering. I trust this video honors his life and legacy. I am forever grateful.”
LaVerne was born on April 11th, 1944, in Chocowinity, North Carolina. His musical journey began at the tender age of two and a half, and his passion for singing only grew stronger over the years. As a student, he sang at local churches and joined various groups such as The Rangers Quartet, Sierras, Jubilee Quartet, and Palmetto State Quartet.
In 1968, LaVerne joined the Blue Ridge Quartet as their lead singer. His exceptional songwriting and singing skills helped propel the group to new heights. The Blue Ridge Quartet enjoyed six consecutive years of soaring popularity, largely thanks to LaVerne’s contributions. Three of his songs became #1 hits: “I Know” (recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys and The Blue Ridge), “That Day Is Almost Here,” and “After Calvary.”
In 1974, with his wife Edith by his side and their two sons, Robb and Terry, LaVerne left the Blue Ridge Quartet to pursue evangelism through music and preaching. Their journey took them from Spartanburg, SC, to Orange County, CA, where they joined the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in 1979.
LaVerne Tripp’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, musical excellence, and heartfelt ministry. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and were touched by his music.
The renowned Southern Gospel group, LeFevre Quartet, has entered a new chapter in their musical journey, announcing their signing with Daywind Records. This partnership comes after seven successful years with New Day Records, during which the group released four albums and earned multiple award nominations, including several #1 singles.
The signing was made official at the 2024 National Quartet Convention, a major event in the Southern Gospel music world. At the convention, the LeFevre Quartet also celebrated their nomination for the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Album of the Year, honoring their project Nobody Like Jesus. This double milestone marks a significant year for the group as they continue to build on their legacy in the Southern Gospel community.
The LeFevre Quartet, consisting of Mike LeFevre (Baritone), Jordan LeFevre (Lead), Jonathan Price (Tenor), Daniel Ashmore (Bass), and Channing Eleton (Pianist), has been performing for nearly two decades. Known for their tight harmonies, energetic performances, and dedication to sharing the message of hope through Gospel music, they have built a strong reputation within the genre.
With this new partnership with Daywind Records, the group looks forward to expanding their reach. Daywind Records, a prominent label in Southern Gospel, will offer the LeFevre Quartet opportunities to continue producing impactful music that resonates with fans worldwide. The collaboration is also seen as a homecoming, with the group’s connection to Daywind’s Director of Artist Relations, Dusty Wells, being a key part of their relationship.
Wells expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are signing the LeFevre Quartet to a new long-term contract. They have an incredible legacy of ministry and music, and I’m excited to work with them on new projects.” He also praised Mike LeFevre for his dedication and leadership within the group.
Mike LeFevre echoed the sentiment, calling the Daywind team “family” and expressing gratitude for the continued partnership. “We are thrilled and honored to renew our relationship with Daywind! They are not just a record company, but are family to us,” LeFevre said.
With plans already in motion for a new album set to release early next year, the LeFevre Quartet is poised to continue their mission of sharing Gospel music with new audiences and longtime fans alike.
For booking information, interested parties can contact the LeFevre Quartet via email at lefevrebooking@gmail.com or by phone at (706) 333-7171.
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