Welcome to AbsolutelyGospel.com’s annual feature Ones-To-Watch: 10 Artists Poised to Take Over Your MP3 Player. Every time about this year, those in the music industry are inundated with “buzz” artists - those artists that look to take the music world by storm with their new (and sometimes no-so-new) approach to faith-based music. Here are 10 artists that we feel are going to win over the hearts of music fans in 2012 in one way or another. At this point - these are the artists that we feel are the “ones to watch” for next year.
Wilburn & Wilburn
From: Gadsden, Alabama
Website: http://www.wilburn2.com
The Southern Gospel world has been chomping at the bit for the return of one of the industry's most awarded and lauded lead singers - Jonathan Wilburn. Wilburn returned with his son Jordan and formed Wilburn & Wilburn. The duo came out swinging right away when they signed with heavyweight Daywind Records and the Dominion Agency for booking. Be listening for the duo's debut single "I Ain't Giving Up On Jesus" playing at Southern Gospel radio now!
Marshall Hall
From: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.daywindrecords.com
Most people know of Marshall Hall as the guy that took Russ Taff's spot in the Gaither Vocal Band a couple of years ago. However, Hall already had a steady career as a songwriter and soloist before landing that gig. Hall is back out on his own and just released his debut album for Daywind Records - Brighter One - which is an eclectic mix that is sure to make fans of Hall's varied career very happy.
Mark209
From: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.mark209.com
Mark209 is "the nashville quartet". The recently renamed quartet gets its name from milemarker 209 in downtown Nashville - the exit you have to take to get to anything that's hot and happening in Nashville. Mark209 lives up to the hype their name suggests with a great blend of modern Country and traditional Southern Gospel. The group is currently working on their debut release under the new moniker. Expect great things from this group of guys!
Red Roots
From: Hurley, Mississippi
Website: http://www.theredroots.com
Red headed triplets Nicole, Nika and Natalie Smith - also known as Red Roots - have become a viral sensation in the Southern Gospel community with their embrace of multimedia platforms and long-form video releases. The group has already scored Top 40 hits on the Singing News and AbsolutelyGospel.com charts. Who knows what else the future holds for this group of sisters?
Eighth Day
From: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Website: http://www.eighthdaymusic.com
Eighth Day was no stranger to Southern Gospel music - scoring a handful of Top 20 hits before landing the career high of a #1 hit on both the Singing News Top 80 and AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 40 Weekly Chart. "May I Never Get Over the Cross" was a hit by all standards, and Eighth Day is poised to take the Southern Gospel world by storm with the extra publicity that a #1 hit affords a group. You don't want to miss out on what this group is doing, that's for sure!
Promise
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.promisetrio.com
Last year, we named Statement of Faith as one of the artists to watch in 2011. Out of the ashes of that group comes the newly formed Promise. It's hard to get your footing in place for a new artist - but a personal endorsement from Greater Vision's Gerald Wolfe at the National Quartet Convention surely doesn't hurt. Promise has the vocal chops to be one of the top trios in the business. You should definitely check them out!
Declaration
From: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.declarationtrio.com
Speaking of glowing endorsements - Declaration Trio - made up of industry veterans Jake Sammons and Kasey Kemp along with newcomer Joshua Horrell - have received a great one from none other than the Booth Brothers. The group has already signed a recording deal with Homeland Inspiration Group. It doesn't take much to see that this group is on the right track.
Rambo McGuire
From: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.rambomcguire.com
industry veterans Reba Rambo-McGuire and husband Donnie McGuire have joined forces with their talented daughter Destiny McGuire to form one of the most talked about groups in years. The group has already made an appearance on the mainstage of the National Quartet Convention and released an album of Dottie Rambo classics set to a bluegrass background.
The Ladd Family
From: Rock Hill, South Carolina
Website: http://www.laddfamilyministries.com
The Ladd Family is an anointed family ministry with strong Christian roots. Today the family tradition carries on with Paul and his wife Melissa. God has brought this dynamic husband and wife team through the fire and back in order to truly minister from the heart. They have earned three Diamond Award nominations and scored a #1 hit on the SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart with their single “Let Go.”
Back Home
From: South Pittsburgh, Tennessee
Website: http://www.backhomesings.com
Very few duos have found a lot of success in the Southern Gospel industry - but one bound and determined to make their mark is Jimmy and Jennifer Layne's Back Home. The group's acclaimed sound coupled with Jennifer's striking songwriting is winning the hearts of fans all over the country. What really engages audiences though is Back Home's pure desire for ministry. This is one group to watch!
Check out last year's One's to Watch feature that highlighted groups like Heavens Highway, 2nd Generation, The Taylors, Master's Voice, and more!
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 12/01/2011
| 
Category:
| 
Comments: 29
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
thanks for posting this mr on facebook there Alan Lewis i'am so very much in love with my Mark209 Quartet guys,Jym Howe,Nathaniel Justice,Jimmy Reno the Gun Slinger,and Mr Joe The Hair MainStage ArmStrong.
Great choices! All of these groups are extremely talented & I am pleased to see them on your list. I am especially happy to see Mark209 on the list. They are a truly talented group of men with an amazing, Christ-like attitude. I look forward to hearing more from them & really feel that God is blessing them and their ministry.
Jonathan Wilburn has been a favorite singer since his days with Gold City. Red Roots have a great sound and tore up the scene in 2011. I really enjoy their music and harmony. MARK209 quietly(?) popped up at NQC this year and I am ready for the next year with this dynamic group! Jym and the guys are bound for great things! But my one to watch in 2012 is sweet Music Minister from Alabama who just put out her second CD, "Take2" Tina Wakefield!
I met the Guys from Declaration last week at My Dixie Melody Boys concert after booking them in May to come to Dickson. What a great group of guys If you have not met or heard them go check them out You will be Blessed...
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thanks for the great listing--we had Declaration at our church not to long ago--they are absolutely fantastic and a true blessing to all they minster to through their wonderful music ability!
I love all the groups that are on the list,but I half to say Declaration is a wonderful group of singers,they surly blessed my heart in Union sc at Ottoray baptist church,they have a great tallent very sweet,if you all have not met them plz do they are great!!!!!May God bless you all,I will be praying for you all,love in Christ.
Now under the banner of Declaration Trio, you didn't go wrong in labeling these guys (Kasey, Jake, & Josh) as a group to watch. As this ministry gains exposure they're sure to make an impact. The three of them had such an influence in our congregation this past Spring that we had seventeen decisions for Christ during their concert/revival services. And while we all love the Southern Gospel they are so wonderfully talented with-their heart for souls being snatched from the devil is what ministry is all about. Congratulations to all of the groups that you have spotlighted and Godspeed to all of them as they all minister around the nation in 2012.-Rev. Danny Starrick, Marion Second Baptist Church, Marion, KY.
I love DECLARATION!! They are a GREAT group of christian men working for the Lord..They are a Blessing to everyone that hears them.
It's exciting to recognize new talent and give appropriate applause. I am not familiar with all the groups - yet - but I do know of Declaration, and am so pleased that you have highlighted that group. These three men are truly anointed in their singing for the Lord. They touch the hearts of all who hear by their music, personal testimonies and just sweet spirits. Blessed by their concerts.
It's exciting to recognize new talent and give appropriate applause. I am not familiar with all the groups - yet - but I do know of Declaration, and am so pleased that you have highlighted that group. These three men are truly anointed in their singing for the Lord. They touch the hearts of all who hear by their music, personal testimonies and just sweet spirits. Blessed by their concerts.
It's exciting to recognize new talent and give appropriate applause. I am not familiar with all the groups - yet - but I do know of Declaration, and am so pleased that you have highlighted that group. These three men are truly anointed in their singing for the Lord. They touch the hearts of all who hear by their music, personal testimonies and just sweet spirits. Blessed by their concerts.
Declaration is absolutely the ONE TO WATCH FOR!!! These three fine, annointed and talented men will bless your heart. They have truly been a blessing to me. May God continue to bless them as they travel around and minister to others.
This is an awesome trio, they are very annointed and have a burning desire to do the Lord's, I have had the pleasure of hearing them on serveral occasions and they are always the same. They live what the preach and stand for, I consider them my friends. If you have never heard them all I can say is that you DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSING? Love ya guys, may God continue to bless.
Declaration Trio, is my most favorite trio EVER! I have heard them only 3 times, but each time they were a true blessing to me. They have the most connected voices I have ever heard. They deserve to make this list of "Ones to watch"...if you have not had the opportunity to hear them in concert I urge you to try to attend one of their many concerts, you will not be disappointed, you will be well blessed. This trio can "rock" your church! I can promise you that! Awesome group of guys, sharing the word of God through there amazing talents.....LOVE this trio
Jake and the group will bless your hearts, let's see how God is going to use them this coming year.
The group Declaration is really on fire for God. I can see God doing some great things with these men. Congragulations to you all and my prayers are with you and I am constantly watching as you continue to grow in you music career.
I have heard Declaration sing several times, I know these anointed young men as good, Godly guys that truly walk the walk. It has been my particular blessing to call Jake Sammons and his family "my friends" for many years. This group has their eyes set on "Building His Kingdom."
Love Declaration! They are excited for the Lord and know how to communicate that on stage. They are kind Godly gentlemen off stage. These fellas surely deserve being the ones to watch.
Praise Jesus for Declaration, Give Him the Glory for such a talented and inspiring trio. They never fail to lift the spirit and deliver his word with a humble spirit. Look forward April whne they are with us again!!
I was blown away by Declaration this past August when I first heard them. Their opening note made my jaw drop; it was wonderful! They sounded similar to the Booth Brothers themselves! I believe when I heard them that night, it was only their 3rd or so time singing together. I can't wait to see what they do in the future! Kasey, Josh and Jake are such sweethearts; humble gentlemen to the core. God has blessed them with wonderful talent, and has blessed us to see that talent take off.
I think you guys have chosen some great groups to watch for 2012. One of my favorite groups in gospel music right now and some of my best friends is Declaration Trio. If you have seen or met these guys you know they truely love the Lord with all there hearts. Thanks guys for being such a blessing to me!
Praise God for his anointing of the amazing "Ladd Family Ministries." They are truly blessed with their outstanding connected voices in singing for the Lord. They are truly the "One's to Watch" in 2012.
I love seeing all of these comments for Declaration!
Our church was blessed by God through these guys, and it was such a privilege to have them here in Michigan. Our church has been going through a lot within the past year or so, and having Declaration certainly lifted our spirits. We truly love these three men, and we can't wait to see them in a few months! God is doing great things, and I'm confident that He will take Declaration farther than they can imagine.
I Praise God for "The Ladd Family"! They are by far my favorite! They have blessed our church many times with their annointing singing and words of love. They sing with passion and allow the Holy Ghost to lead them!! THEY ARE AMAZING! They are on fire for God and it comes out when they sing. God truley has His hand on them!!
Words are hard to find to describe The Ladd Family, but, one stands out more than any other and that word is annointed! Our church has experienced The Ladd Family, yes I said "experienced", because that best describes their ministry. Paul and Melissa use their God given talent to share the message of Christ through song. Everytime they have been with us, the presence of the Lord has been evident. If you're looking for a group to come and sing for you, don't call these guys! But, if you're looking to experience a move of God through a groups singing, testimonies, and the Word, CALL THEM NOW!! Pastor Stan Cook, New Beginning Church Ashford, Al.
Definitly ones to watch is "THE LADD FAMILY" Watch as the annointing flows, as they minister the Gospel through song and word. We have been watching Paul at Tabernacle Ministries, from the time he was a young child. He and his wife, Loves the LORD, has an awesome talent, and they are using it for the building of God's Kingdom.
When I think of the Ladd Family my mind conjures up a husband and wife team who are anointed, real, talented, gifted, and a blessing every time I hear them minister in Word and song. I am confident God has His hand of anointing on their past, present, and future ministry. I always feel I am in praise and worship of a Holy God who is "High and Lifted up", through their ministry.
Thank you for including my brother Paul Ladd and his wife in your "Ones To Watch" article. I'm very proud of them and know God has GREAT things in store for the ministry of The Ladd Family in 2012! Very proud to be your little brother! Praying for His favor on you guys next year!! Love ya!
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
