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01 Dec 2005
2005’s 25 Most Fascinating Individuals in Southern Gospel
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2005 was a good year for Southern Gospel. The growth of the genre has continued its upward spike thanks to expanding genre borders and an updated look. But who were this year's biggest noise makers? Who ruffled the feathers and got the industry talking? SGN wants to take a look at the 25 Most Fascinating Individuals in Southern Gospel in 2005.
Hurt Triplets - Marty Hurt (formerly of CrossWay) announced earlier this year that he and his wife were expecting a new addition to the family - not only one but three! Hurt came off the road this fall to become a new daddy to three healthy children. We will miss you Marty, but more importantly, we're excited about your new family!
Beckie Simmons - Beckie Simmons has always been one of the industry's busiest women, but this year, she took on even more than just booking today's most popular artists. BSA World expanded its borders this year to include everything from booking to publishing and management to publicity! Keep up the good work Beckie!
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The individuals in this article were listed in no particular order.
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2005’s 25 Most Fascinating Individuals in Southern Gospel
 Written: 12/01/2005  Author: SGN Category:
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Mark Lowry - Mark started the year out with some buzz, most notably on his God Is Crazy About You! Tour with LordSong & Stan Whitmire, but didn't until recently get people talking. Recently diagnosed with MS, Lowry has been an inspiration to many people with his upbeat thoughts and constant positive attitude.
Kim Collingsworth - Matriarch to up-and-coming group the Collingsworth Family, Kim came out of nowhere and totally knocked the socks off the National Quartet Convention with her performance at Roger Bennett's Pianorama. One couldn't even get down the aisle where Collingsworth's booth was. The future looks very bright for this talented lady. 
Ernie Haase - He's still got it after all this time, and his group is one of the hottest to hit Southern Gospel in a long time. His unique approach to stage performance and the recent marketing blitz for his group's new project has kept this guy on the mind of many people this year.
McCray Dove - Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Dove has managed to revamp his group's musical styling and adapt to today's times without forsaking the sound that made his group popular in the first place. Want proof? The Dove Brothers Quartet's latest recording is their fastest selling to date.
Sheri Easter - Jeff & Sheri Easter made news earlier this year when they found out that they would be having their third child - in their forties! Sheri gave birth to a healthy baby girl on October 11 of this year. Mother and baby came through just fine!
Joel Lindsey - Though not as publicized as Roger Bennett's or Janet Paschal's struggle with the disease, Lindsey, one of Southern Gospel's most respected songwriters, fought cancer once again in his life this year. Lindsey's doing great and his outlook on life is fantastic! We can't wait to see the songs that come out of the celebrated writer this time around.
Annie McRae - Keeping in the grand tradition of writers like Rodney Griffin and Phil Cross, Annie McRae has continually churned out top notch song after top notch song. Her songwriting continues to get better with every recording, and the McRaes' latest, Perfect Love, helps prove that point as McRae single handedly wrote all but one track on the new recording.
Nick Bruno - Many have wanted to make him the King of Southern Gospel Music. His no-holds-bar articles have remained a popular area of discussion not just on this website, but also all over the industry. His practical ideas are already getting things moving in some areas. All hail King Nick!
Wes Hampton - With incredibly large shoes to fill, Wes replaced David Phelps in the Gaither Vocal Band in July of this year. Though time will ultimately tell whether or not Hampton has the chops to win over fans, there is no doubt that he was one of the most talked about names this year.
Chuck Peters - Mostly known for his online radio station, Peters took over the DJ friendly SGShowPrep this year, and he quickly became the man to beat at news reporting this year in Southern Gospel. Not one news entity has managed to outpace and out produce one who many people are calling one of the hardest working men in all of Southern Gospel.
Les Butler - Starting the year off working with new artists like the Dunaways, Christlike, and Sharron Kay King, Les officially became a huge topic of discussion when Salem Communications bought the Singing News Magazine and named Les the new Director of Operations. We have good faith in you Les. We know you'll do a great job in your new position.
Kirk Talley - While not as talked about as last year, Talley has remained a steady topic of discussion among fans and industry alike with his return to performing this year. Talley also released a new live CD and DVD featuring his testimony, a must own for any fan of Southern Gospel.
Randall Wilds - Before 2005, most fans would have never even known who Wilds was - but that soon changed with his announcement of the 2005 SGM FanFair - Southern Gospel's latest all-week musical extravaganza. Despite disappointing numbers, Wilds is pressing on to make 2006's FanFair even bigger and better.
David Phelps - Many fans of the Gaither Vocal Band were absolutely devastated to find out that Phelps would be leaving the popular group. Concentrating on his solo career, Phelps took a leap of faith and left a very comfortable position. Time will tell if it was the best move to make.
Rick Hendrix - Whether you agree with his promotional tactics or not, Rick Hendrix has been one of the most talked about industry leaders this year. Starting to write for SGN earlier this year, Hendrix's popularity soared to another level. There's no telling what Rick's got up his sleeve for the year 2006.
Daniel & Doug Riley - Despite a few fans anguish over the new group, the brothers Riley took over the family business full time this year and haven't missed a beat. Gold City is as good as ever, and the brothers continue to make the best quality quartet music out there. 
Janet Paschal - An inspiration to thousands of people everyday, Janet Paschal fought and is winning the battle against breast cancer this year. A real trooper - Janet has provided many heart tugging moments with her very open dialogue about the disease. We love you Janet!
Kim Hopper - Speaking of babies, Kim Hopper also became a mother - again - this year. The only difference is that the family had a scare when the baby came early. We're happy to report that both mother and baby pulled through just fine. Many prayers were lifted up for the Hopper family earlier this year. God is good!
Mike Bowling - Remaining one of Southern Gospel's most popular soloists, Mike took a leap of faith earlier this year when he stopped touring with this family (the Crabb Family) and attempted to make it on his own. Things didn't stop there as Mike announced the formation of the Mike Bowling Group - Southern Gospel's latest sensations! Joining Mike on the road will be his brother Jeff, sister in law Kim, and cousin Karen.
Tony Peace - Many people were shocked to hear of the exit of Tony Peace from the Palmetto State Quartet. Tony embarked on a solo career and hosted the 2006 SGM FanFair this year. Never being one to slow down for an instant, Tony eventually replaced Tim Surrett in the Kingsmen.
Channing Eleton - One of Southern Gospel's most popular pianists, Channing Eleton managed to miss the lay off of Gold City's band only to resign a couple months later. Shocking most industry pundits, Eleton joined Buddy Mullins' new group - Second Mile - managing to still do what he loves while spend more quality time with his family.
Kenny Bishop - Where exactly has Kenny Bishop been all this time? Bishop made his return to the industry this year after giving an honest, open letter to the industry via his website. Be on the look out for Bishop's come back album on Daywind Records in 2006!
Roger Bennett - Bennett has proven that with prayer, positive people around you, and a loving family, anyone can beat cancer - twice! Bennett's Midnight Meditations has been a constant source of encouragement for many in this industry! We know that a full recovery is on your way Roger!
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