New Project from Guy Penrod

 

For those of you that have been around the Lynchburg area, it is no secret that Guy Penrod has ties to this area.  He went to Liberty University back in the early 80s where he earned a Bible degree.  Also, while at Liberty, he sang with probably the most prestigious Liberty group, The Sounds of Liberty.  Shortly after graduation, he moved to TN and started doing backup singing for the likes of Phillips Craig and Dean, Ray Boltz, James Ingrim, and Garth Brooks.  While doing that he got involved with the Crook and Chase show and from that started singing with the Gaither Vocal Band in 1993. 

All that was to say that Guy has changed ministry directions once again.  He left the famed Gaither Vocal Band a few months back and is now starting his own solo ministry.  It is no secret that Guy likes more country style music than anything else.  If you look at the Gaither Vocal Band projects that Guy had a hand in producing, they swing more country.  Also people in this area remember that the country driven Gaither Vocal Band release Jesus and John Wayne ended up being a more controversial one.

I have not heard the full project yet, but went to www.guypenrod.com where the samples are available and an order for the full project can be made.  If you order the CD you get a free mp3 while you are waiting on the full project.  The new project sounds like it features everything from potential releases for mainstream country radio to a cover of the Talley Trio’s The Broken Ones.  Keep checking back here as I will be posting a full review of the project once I receive it. 

Les Paul Dies at 94

 

Guitar legend, Les Paul, passed away yesterday at the age of 94.  Even though not directly associated with southern gospel music, his contributions to the music world were great.  The famed Gibson Les Paul guitar bears his name.  He first started using the electric guitar because he wanted to be heard better over the other instruments.  Legend has it that he invinted the electric guitar but that is not totally true.  He is probably the man to popularize it.  He always worked to get rid of distortion in the guitar but became a mainstay in a lot of rock music.  He also was one of the first to experiment with layering instruments and vocals in the studio. 

 

If you would like to find out more about the life of Les Paul click HERE. 

Heberts welcome new baby boy

Darin and Callie Habert welcomed a new 7.2 lbs 20 inch baby boy last night, Patrick Habert.  Darrin sings bass for the Homesteaders Quartet out of OK.  To find out more information about the Homesteaders visit them here.

VA Artist Glen Shelton to be featured on Joy FM’s “Cross Country”

 

 

Joy FM has started an interesting new podcast called “Cross Country.”  It features today's top country artist both in the Christian and secular arena of music.  This upcoming week will feature VA artist Glen Shelton.  Glen, from Elon VA, has been recognized by and shared the stage with some of the top talent in the music industry.  If you would like to read more about him you can visit his bio page here.

 

The new podcast will air July 30th at 7pm eastern on the Joy FM Network of 26 stations in 7 states.  You can also listen to the stream at JoyFM  The show will feature music from Glen’s latest project, including the title track “I Thought of You” along with recent interviews.  I hope you can tune in.

Eva Mae LeFevre Funeral Arrangements

 

 

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Visitation:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel
173 Allen Road Ne
Sandy Springs, GA 30328 USA
Phone No: (404) 851-9900

Service:

Thursday, May 21, 2009
12 p.m. (noon)
Mt. Paran Church of God Central
2055 Mt. Paran Rd
Atlanta, GA 30327 USA

Eva Mae LeFevre Homegoing

 

 

I just learned that Eva Mae LeFevre went home to be with the Lord today, Monday May 18th, 2009 at 7:25 am.  She was 92 years old.  Service details will follow as available. 

Update on Aaron Swain

Aaron is still in the hospital, but seems to be doing better.  He came out of surgery and doctors successfully removed the blockage.  He had a rough night last night with high temperatures.  It seems to have broken now so he is doing better.  His mom said that the next week will be a long one so keep Aaron and his family in your prayers. 

Aaron Swain of Swain's Musings Hospitalized

Friday night Aaron went to the hospital with a ruptured appendix and is not doing well. The last report that I recived was today and was scheduled for surgery tonight. (Tuesday night) The surgery is to remove a blockage in his intestines. His mother didn’t know what they would find or what the blockage was. Please keep him in your prayers. I will send out new updates on this blog as I find out more information.

Steve Ladd to leave Gold City

 

Gold City and Steve Ladd have recently announced future plans for the group and Steve.  Steve will be leaving Gold City to become a worship pastor in the Gadston, AL area.  Steve has been with the group for 5 years.  I will be sad to see him go because I believe he is one of the best tenors in the industry right now.  I remember the days when he and Aaron McCune were with The Anchormen.  One of their songs would come on and I would be reaching for the skip button.  Steve has improved leaps and bounds over the last few years.    I wish him the best on his new endeavors. 

 

Gold City will be looking for a new tenor.  If you are interested in trying out for the position click here and follow the instructions on the page. 

Gaither Vocal Band only please

According to the www.gaither.com website, the Gaither Vocal Band will be doing some special tour dates. On most occasions, a Homecoming Tour date includes many other artist including Signature Sound, Lynda Randal, and Janet Paschal. These select dates will feature just the Gaither Vocal Band. Currently four dates have been scheduled including Springfield, MO, Lincoln, NE, Dobuque, IA, and Johnson City, TN. More dates are to come.

Jerry Kelso's Son Killed In A Tragic Accident

I just received word that Jerry Kelso’s 22 year old son Brandon was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. The accident happened in KY where he had recently moved after someone pulled out in front of him. Road conditions were wet which probably contributed to the accident.

The funeral services will be held Tuesday in Asheville, NC where Brandon was raised. Please keep the Kelso family in your prayers. Send correspondence to:

Jerry Kelso
P.O. Box 763
Bladenboro, NC 28320

SGMA Hall of Fame 2009 Inductees Announced

 

On March 17^th, the SGMA (Southern Gospel Music Association) proudly announced its inductees into the hall of fame for 2009. The inductees include Neil Enloe, Ed Hill, Harold Lane, Don Light, Bill Lyles, Billy Todd, Charlie Waller, and Elizabeth Mull.  Without talent, dedication, and hard work such as this, we wouldn’t be anywhere close to what we are today as an industry. The ceremony will take place October 7, 2003.  If you would like tickets or more information about the event you can call 865-908-4040

 

Neil Enloe

 

Ed Hill

 

Harold Lane

 

Bill Lyles

 

Billy Todd

 

Charlie Waller

 

Elizabeth “Lady” Mull

 

Don Light

Statler Brothers Tribute

Here at Va Southern Gospel, we are always proud when one of our own makes it to the top of their industry.  The Statler Brothers did just that and stayed there for years upon years.  I recently ran across this video simply called “The Statler Brothers Song,” which is a tribute to the Statler Brothers.  The group is Grandstaff, which are the sons of Don and Harold Reid.  If you would like to find out more about the group you can go to http://grandstaff.net/

Diamond Rio A Christian Band?

Last weekend my girlfriend and I had the privilege to go to a Love 4 Life conference.  They are put on by AACS or American Association of Christian Counselors, which is headed up by Tim and Julie Clinton.  The night consisted of two speakers and two musicians.  The two speakers were John Trent and Kevin Lehman.  Both of these speakers are well respected in their line of work.  Kevin Lehman has a lot of the secular world’s attention, appearing on some good morning shows and Oprah.  

The night kicked off by Charles Billingsley doing worhip music with his keyboardist Adam Lancaster.  But the highlight of the night for me was Diamond Rio.  Diamond Rio have always had clean songs and you can’t beat that high soaring harmony that is found in just about every one of their songs.  Previous to this night, I have seen them in concert twice.  The last time I saw them they talked about their next CD being a gospel CD.  They had just done their Christmas CD which was through Word Records.  As many of you know, Word Records is a Christian label.  I thought it might be a onetime thing because most of your country acts will do a song here and there and pay homage to a “higher power.”  Lead singer, Marty Roe, took a moment and shared a testimony.  He said that they had felt like they had gotten off track as a band and he got to the point to where he wouldn’t sing unless there was a check tied to it.  He started having serious vocal problems and went to a series of vocal coaches and none of them could explain it.  He finally went to a Christian vocal coach and the first few sessions they just spent time talking and praying.  After that he said his voice started clearing up.  Although not back to 100% it was getting better.

So in light of the band taking a new direction, they have signed a record deal with Word Records.  It will be exciting to see what the future holds for them as they embark on this new direction.  Over the last few years they have been putting out songs like I Believe, In God We Still Trust, and God Only Cries.  The hook line to that song is “God only cries for the living because it is the living that are so far from home.”  Skeptics would say that this is only a marketing ploy and that they will go back after a little while.  I am hoping that they stay true and we can actually see the fruits of their labors, but that is something that only time will tell.  

You can go to http://www.vasoutherngospel.com and go to “Gallery” to see pictures from this night and may other concerts.  

Concert Review: Down East Boys & Rick Webb Family

Two weekends ago I attended a Central Va Angel Hearts Bennifit Concert to benifit the family of Christian Godin.  As I explained before on the Homesteaders review, this series is to help hurting people in the central VA area take care of medical bills through an offering given at the concert.  Preconcert music was done by the King’s Strings.  This is a group of young musicians with none of them being over the age of 21.  They played mostly bluegrass and hymn standards instrumental.  Following was the comedy and MC work of Gerilynn.  She was soon joined by Barbara Dalton and JoAnn Willis to make the rest of Garden of Grace.  Gerri Smoot was out taking care of family business so JoAnn was filling in for the night.

The first of the main groups of the night was the Rick Webb Family.  I had never heard them in concert before and was quite impressed.  To be honest, I had not heard much of their music either.  They had tight harmonies and a very good stage presentation.  If you have the chance to go out and see them it will definitely be worth the effort.  

Second up was the Down East Boys.  I think this is one of the most, if not the most underrated, quartets going today.  The Down East Boys / Quartet has been in existence in some form for several years.   They have had many hit songs yet the name Down East was not easily recognizable by your common southern gospel fan until a few years ago.  The songs that really put them back on the radar were The Mountains Will Be Shaken and Shouting on the Hills.  Those two are what Get Away Jordan are to Signature Sound and the Dove Brothers.

Overall the night was a night filled with good southern gospel music.  If you want to see pictures from the concert, visit http://www.vasoutherngospel.com and click on Gallery.  

New Gaither.com Online Community

Gone are the days of paying to be a member of Gaither.com. Well partly. Starting on March 2nd the Gaither site will be completely redone and will offer a lot of free stuff. One of the most exciting is the community features it will be offering. Singing News and Daniel Mount have tried to keep a successful discussion board but because of various issues neither have been able to keep it afloat. Gaither.com will include a free one and I am sure they will have the server space to take all the people they want. Included will be the possibilities of creating your own page, your own blog, post your favorite songs and photos, and the ability to keep in touch with fans from around the world.

Another exciting aspect is a blog from Bill Gaither himself. One would assume we will get a little more insight into how his mind works and the stories behind many of his historical songs and career moves. I am sure there will be some perks to being a paying member like special content. I have not heard exactly how the differentiation will be made but there probably will be.

Archie Watkins Resigns from the Inspirations

There have been many stories and opinions on what is happening with the lineup of the Inspirations, espeically tenor Archie Watkins.  After waiting, we finally have an answer.  Archie is set to go solo effective after the Inspirations concert Febuary 28th.  He will appear with the group one last time at New Hope Church in Sevierville, TN.

If you would be intersted in having Archie at your church you can contact him at 828-497-9798 or email him at info@archiewatkins.com  To keep up with his touring schedule and other things happening in his ministry visit www.archiewatkins.com  

Gaither Vocal Band Reunion Vol 1 & 2 Review

I recently had the opurtunity to see the brand new Gaither Vocal Band Reunion DVDs. They don’t release in stores till Tuesday but I have a friend who ordered them from gaither.com and he aleady has his.

I did not follow the GVB from the very beginning, partially because I was too young. The first GVB CD that I remember getting was Southern Classics 1 and 2. Southern Classics 1 had Terry Franklin, Mike English, Mark Lowry, Bill Gaither, and Guy Penrod. Southern Classics 2 had Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry, Bill Gaither, and Jonathan Pierce. I can say that wore those two out.

When you put in the first DVD and push play it starts out with a brief history of the group and has various pictures from different eras of the vocal band. Once the video actually starts the studio is the same as some of the first Homecoming videos. Different pictures of different vocal bands and albums line the walls. All the former members were in attendance with the exception of Jonathan Pierce and Terry Franklin. The long and short of it are the videos are very good and gives some little known history about the Vocal Band that you might not know otherwise. Classic vocal bands are reunited as well as new interesting ones. The new interesting ones are probably the highlight of the video as well as some of the stories and testimonies given by these guys. Some arrangements sound like they come straight from the 80s and some songs get a new coat of paint.

Just because I don’t want to give a blow by blow of the video and ruin things here is a song list that you can expect when you watch the video. I definitely encourage you go buy the videos and experience them first hand.

Volume 1:

• He Came Down to My Level (old group)
  
• Beginning of the Gaither Vocal Band told by Bill Gaither
  
• First Day in Heaven
  
• Interview with Jim Murray
  
• New Wine (same song that Greater Vision did)
  
• John Mohr Interview
  
• Rumor Mill
  
• Larnelle Harris interview
  
• Can’t Stop Talking About Him (old arrangement)
  
• Gary McSpadden interview
  
• Tribute to the Imperials
  
• A Few Good Men
  
• Buddy Mullins interview
  
• Born again
  
• Mike English interview
  
• Satisfied
  
• More Mike English Interview
  
• I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy
  
• He Touched Me
  
• David Phelps story about Russ Taff
  
• Heatbreak Ridge and New Hope Road
  
• Guy Penrod interview
  
• Knowing You’ll Be There
  
• Gary Mcspaden talking about his mom
  
• Home Where I Belong
  
• Steve Green talks about the naming of the Gaither Vocal Band
  
• Steve Green interview
  
• The Name of Jesus
  
• There is a River
  
• Gentle Shepherd
  
• David Phelps Interview
  
• Let Freedom Ring
  
• Loving God Loving Each Other
  
• Credits – A Few Good Men plays while LP covers scroll
  
• Bonus Daystar
  

VOLUME 2:

• Passin The Faith Along
  
• Temporary Home
  
• Lee Young Interview
  
• Dream On (the same one Signature Sound just did)
  
• I’ll Meet You in the Morning
  
• The Really Big News
  
• Interview with Michael English
  
• Home
  
• Interview with Guy Penrod
  
• Build an Ark
  
• Interview with David Phelps
  
• O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
  
• Interview with Steve Green
  
• When the Rains Come
  
• Interview with David
  
• The Love of God
  
• John Mohr Interview
  
• A New Point of View
  
• Give Up
  
• Marshall Hall Interview
  
• When I Cry
  
• Gloria Gaither introduction of I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked
  
• I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked
  
• Introduction of Find us Faithful w Steve Green and John Mohr
  
• Find us Faithful
  
• I’m Free
  
• Guy Penrod Interview
  
• Make it Real
  
• Mary Did You Know
  
• Oh What a Time
  
• Bonus material: I Believe Now Help Thou My Unbelief

SoGoCity.com

A friend of mine recently directed me to yet another social networking site, SoGospelCity.  One of the first ones that I was aware of was MySpace.  In the beginning, what was probably a good thing has become more and more raunchy.  Soon after that I was made aware of Facebook, a networking site formed only for college students.  When I first joined, it was required to have a .edu web address, which meant you were either a college student or professor.  Eventually that loosened up and anyone is allowed to join now. 

 

The same ideas have come into Christian circles.  In an effort to come up with clean wholesome networking, ShoutLife was formed by Paul McLellan.  The same is happening in the southern gospel world.  Recently, Charles Brady has started http://www.sogocity.com  It is a social networking site devoted to fans, singers, and promoters of southern gospel music.  I have just signed up under VaSouternGospel.com and already have several friends.  So join me and become a member of the site.  

George Beverly Shea to turn 100 years old

On February 1, 2009, gospel music legend of the Billy Grahm Crusades, will be turning 100 years old. After 70 albums and 10 Grammy nominations Shea is still singing. Many might remember two of his more popular signature songs, I'd Rather Have Jesus and The Wonder of it All.

In honr of Shea, Dr Paul Davis has writen a biography, George Beverly Shea: Tell Me the Story, that is being published by Ambassador International. The book is to release in the Spring of 2009. To find out more information on the book, pre-order the book, and leave Shea a birthday wish, go to http://www.georgebevshea.com/

Southern Gospel for the Next Generation

The following article was written by my friend, co-founder of http://www.southerngospelva.com, and local representative for JOY FM Lynchburg, VA, Mike Cook

Southern Gospel for the Next Generation

By Mike Cook – Joy FM - Central VA

If you go to a typical Southern Gospel concert, you will notice that most of the audience is from a generation that was born in 1945 or earlier. It appears that some of the most recent marketing of Southern Gospel is targeted to the next generation called Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964) with artists like Russ Taff, The Gaither Vocal Band and The Booth Brothers performing songs from the 1970’s.

In order to preserve the heritage of Southern Gospel we must promote it to a new generation in new ways. Gone are the days when an artist can rely only on Radio, Television, and print to promote concerts and album releases. Generation X (born 1965 – 1976) and The Millennial Generation or Generation Y (born 1977 – 1998) will require a different approach when marketing to them. Here are some New Media outlets that artists and promoters can use to connect with X and Y.

A Web Site

Statistics are showing that most of generation Y and some of Generation X are spending more time each week surfing the web than watching television. It’s no wonder that most every ad you see on TV or in print includes a web address. It’s not enough to just put some information out there like a billboard, it must be done well and change often to keep users coming back. Some young artists like Crabb Revival, Valor, and The Lefevre Quartet have their music begin playing as soon as the web site opens up. The online store should also accept some form of credit card. Pay-Pal is a very secure way to accept payment and no credit card information is exchanged, just email addresses. A lot of the Talent Agency web sites provide high quality photos, biographies, and concert posters available for downloading to local promoters that are bringing the artists into their area.

Social network Web Sites

Social Network sites are very popular among X and Y. www.myspace.com and www.facebook.com offer users an opportunity to connect with each other through chats and message boards. Young artists like The Imperials and Driven Quartet have My Space pages that link to their web site.

Email Marketing

Email Marketing is a great way for Talent Agencies and artists to stay in touch with fans. I receive an Email once a month from Greater Vision that is created through a service called Constant Contact. It has templates that can be customized with photos and logos. The service also allows users to put a sign up box on their web site where fans can sign up for their monthly newsletter.

MP 3’s

Just when we were getting comfortable with the compact disc instead of cassettes, along comes the new format of MP 3’s. Apple brought us the iPod MP3 player and iTunes software for the computer that allows users to convert their CD’s to MP3 format and load them on the iPod for listening. The iTunes store provides an opportunity to preview the albums before buying. You can also choose to buy one song instead of the whole album. There is a universal database at www.gracenote.com that has artwork, album and track names for most every kind of music available. This is where we need some work in the Southern Gospel area. Not all Southern Gospel albums are recognized by this database. Artists and record companies should submit this information to the database and make the albums available on iTunes the same day that the CD is released in stores. This will increase album sales and provide more recognition for the artists among younger users.

Podcasting

A Podcast is an online radio show available on web sites and through iTunes. Daniel Britt of XM Radio and Joy FM in Winston Salem, North Carolina hosts a podcast with artist interviews. Mark Lowry and Mark Bishop also have podcasts available.

Video

Ever since the early 90’s when Bill Gaither released the Homecoming series, Video has played an important part in the spread of Southern Gospel. Now You Tube is available to allow users to search and view videos on the web. Artists can take clips of concerts and submit them to You Tube and then link them back to their web sites for viewing. Jason Crabb features several You Tube clips on his web site.

Great legends of Southern Gospel like The Statesmen and The Imperials were known for thinking outside the box for ways to promote their music. We have the torch now and must continue to look for new ways to promote the world’s greatest music to future generations.

Mike

New Gaither Vocal Band Pics

Here are some pics that were posted at gaither.net of the GVB practice w David Phelps, Michael English, Mark Lowry, Wes Hampton, and Bill Gaither.

Set #1

Set #2

Concert Review: Russ Taff to benefit God's Pit Crew

Sunday night I made the trip all the way down to Danville, VA.  For me that is about an hour and a half drive one way.  The concert was Russ Taff to benefit God’s Pit Crew.  God’s Pit Crew is a really neat ministry.  They deliver relief help all over the United States to people who have experienced a natural disaster.  They also help in the building of houses and churches that have been devastated from natural disasters.  The last project that they completed was building and totally furnishing a house in Mississippi in 10 days.  In a couple weeks, they will be headed to Texas to rebuild a church building.  This church was being really effective in the community and needs to get up and going again as soon as possible.

 

The night started out with music from the churches musicians.  It was very good quality.  They did everything from choir numbers to a quartet doing Gold City’s I Think I’ll Read It Again.  One of the highlights of the night was a group of 2 girls called The Church Sisters from Ringgold, VA.  They didn’t say how old they were but my guess would be 8 and 11.  They were very good and sang more bluegrass style.  I think they have a bright future ahead of them if they keep working.  Their harmony was practically perfect.  Be looking later because I will probably be reviewing their CD.

 

The feature of the night was Russ Taff.  He did mostly classics and standards from his long history of hits from his solo career as well as his time with the Imperials.  If you go to his website you can find a list of records and awards he has earned over the years.  His song list included: Heartbreak ridge, Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me, Trumpet of Jesus, Praise the Lord, Somebodys comin, and Bethlehem.  Another highlight of the evening came with the second to last song.  The quartet got back up and sang I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary w Russ.  Russ sang the first verse and the groups tenor took Guy Penrod’s normal part.  The night closed out Russ singing Aint No Grave.  You would have never been able to tell he wasn’t feeling well with all that movin that was going on, or as we Baptist like to call it … foot fellowship.

 

Go on over to the site http://www.vasoutherngospel.com and you can see a few pictures from the night.  

Pre-runner to the New Gaither Vocal Band

A lot of people are wondering what the new Gaither Vocal Band's future will hold and what they will sound like.  Most groups are blessed enough to have maybe one or two super voices come through thier ministry but the Gaither Vocal Band has had one after another.  

I know the below clip wont sound exactly like the new vocal band, but this has got to be pretty close.  This has been one of my favorite Gaither clips for a long time and is nice to get a group similar to this one to materialize.  I believe this is truly going to be a supergroup.

Daniel Britt & JoyFM Gaither Exclusive

Daniel Britt, of the Morning Joy Ride, got an exclusive interview with Bill Gaither himself.  In the interview, he talks about the future of the Gaither Vocal Band as well as those who are taking other paths that will lead them away from the vocal band.  You can listen to the 18 minute clip here.

Gaither Vocal Band Anounces New Lineup

Gaither.com has announced effective immediately there will be a new Vocal Band Lineup. Guy Penrod will be leaving to pursue a solo career. Marshall Hall will also be leaving but no news on what future plans are. The new Vocal Band will be comprised of Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Mark Lowry, Mike English, and David Phelps. The word supergroup is used a lot to talk about many groups but I think this is truly a super group of GVB all stars. We will look for great things from this group of guys. For more information go here.