This Month's News

The Dixie Echoes new recording titled "So Many Reasons" is now available! This cd contains the current line-up of Randy Shelnut, Randy Shelnut Jr., Wesley Smith, Pat Barker, and Stewart Varnado. The new CD includes the following songs:

1. I'll Be Ready To Go With Him
2. So Many Reasons
3. Miracles Will Happen On That Day
4. Until You Find The Lord
5. Not In A Million Years
6. Walk With Me
7. On The Other Side Of Jordan
8. How Big Is God
9. I'm Gonna Move To The Sky
10. Little Is Much

http://www.dixieechoes.com

Charlie Waller is bringing the Florida Boys to the Smoky Mountain Showplace Theatre, 140 Showplace Blvd. in Pigeon Forge, TN. six nights a week. While the original members of the group retired from the road last year, a new chapter was born under Waller’s leadership and the name and classic songs continue. Waller said the performance will be an innovative, entertaining mix that all will enjoy also featuring the talents of baritone singer: Buddy Burton, bass singer Chip Cooper, and tenor singer Dustin Bearden.

“We are so excited to be able to bring our show to Pigeon Forge on a regular basis,” Waller said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for a quartet to get a chance to entertain for the receptive audiences that visit the Smokies. We are going to bring folks a little bit of everything, hand clappers, tear jerkers, and songs that will leave a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts. How else can you leave them when you are singing about Jesus?”

Waller credits Ron Blackwood as being instrumental in helping him to strike a deal with theater owners Bob Deason and Sherry Bowman.

The group’s latest release is entitled “I Give You.....” which features a variety of Florida Boys songs such as “My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me,” “After All,” “The Master Locksmith,” and “I Must Tell Jesus” and the show will include some of the greatest songs that Southern gospel music has ever known.

Waller said his love for the quartet reaches back to his earliest concert memories. For 38 years, Waller built a reputation producing and promoting shows including the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. Preserving the industry and its legacy is a top priority for Waller, he said. He now also serves the industry as executive director of the Southern Gospel Music Association that operates the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum at Dollywood.

Other members of The Florida Boys include Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Burton, with 38 years in music working with acts such as the Smitty Gatlin Trio, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps (Elvis' back-up group), Hovie Lister and the Statesmen, the Masters V, and Charlie Waller’s Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Quartet; Cooper, who brings 33-years of experience to the stage with groups like the Goodnewsmen, Pine Ridge Boys, Tar-Heel State and the Mystery Men; and Bearden, 24, who is already a seasoned professional working with Providence, New Vision Quartet, Narrow Way Quartet, and Alliance.

For more information about the group, visit http://www.thefloridaboys.net

Nashville, TN - Frequent visitors to the website of popular male vocalist, Ivan Parker have recently noticed that the 2007 Male Vocalist of the Year/Soloist of the Year has unveiled a brand new look to his website, http://www.ivanparker.com. “Our goal was to make the site absolutely amazing, yet easy to navigate, with brand new features that include video clips, personal emails, photo slideshows and a newsroom,” Parker states. “International orders, audio downloads, children’s books and Gaither Videos are some of the many new features visitors to the site can expect to enjoy.”

This ultimate web experience also now allows avid Ivan Parker fans to stay involved in a whole new way by becoming an Ivanizer. Members of this special club can enjoy a more intimate look into their favorite male vocalist’s ministry.

Visit the new Ivan Parker website, and don’t miss out on all the opportunities available at http://www.ivanparker.com

Nashville Teleproductions was founded in 1986 by Kevin McManus. Among the companies credits is Oak Valley Studios, one of Nashville’s premier recording facilities for all styles of Christian Music. The latest endeavor from Nashville Teleproductions is worship technology. The company has coupled its resources in technology, music and video production, as well as over 35 years of experience in live stage production in some of the largest venues in the US, to form a division that caters to the needs of live performance and worship. The company represents some of the leading manufactures of professional audio and video equipment and is currently working on installations in Florida, California, Mississippi, Tennessee and Illinois. The company is targeting the House of Worship market but also designs portable road systems for touring professionals. For more information on Nashville Teleproductions Inc call 1-800-883-1772 or go to http://www.nashvilleteleproductions.com .

In a newsletter from The Lesters' Jenny Pitchers Revelle, she shares the following praise report.

Dear Friends:

It always makes me think; we pray and pray for God to work a miracle and when He does we act like it's some big shock or surprise! And that is exactly what happened today at Seth's doctors appointment. For those of you who didn't know, Seth went back to Dr. Haughey at Barnes today for an ultrasound and biopsy of a spot they thought was cancer in a lymph node in his neck. But when the doctor did the ultrasound, he couldn't find ANYTHING!! They had 2 different doctors do the ultrasound both of them saying the same thing: "I don't see anything worth biopsying. There is nothing there to worry about"!! What an AWESOME and POWERFUL God we serve. Tears of joy streamed down my face right in the office and Seth and I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving all the way out of the parking garage! I believe with all my heart that there was cancer in Seth's neck a week ago. And because of the faithful prayers of our friends and family, the Lord once again gave us a miracle! There was nothing on that ultrasound because God healed Seth! I did the typical human thing when we found out about the cancer, and I began to tell God that if He would just heal Seth, that I would give Him 100% of the glory and that I would never cease to praise Him for what He has done. But God didn't need my promises. God didn't need my help. All He needed was to speak the word and the cancer was gone! But I believe God hears and answeres the prayers of His people...in HIS time. He is so perfect! He's never late, He's never early. And just when we think our world is going to come crashing in on us again, He lays His hand on our soul, speaks the Word of peace, and delivers us once again! THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD! This is the God I serve. This is the God I sing to. And I can never thank Him or repay Him for what He has done for us. Thank you to you all who are so faithful to pray. With this weight off his shoulders, Seth can once again focus fully on therapy and hopefully returning to work sometime this month. Your prayers and support are carrying us through. This isn't just a letter that I write because I feel that I should or it's the thing to do. I write with my whole heart, and am truly sincere when I thank you all for your love and prayers. I never get tired of hearing the words, "We're praying for you and Seth". They are a balm to our hearts and it's a comfort knowing that people all accross the country are praying for our family. The outreach of God's people overwhelms me, and the love flows gives me strength. Seth and I pray that you all will be blessed by the hand of God, for sharing in the blessings that have been bestowed on us. Love and MANY thanks to you all!

Holding on to Jesus,
Jenny Revelle

Nashville, TN - Popular RSI/Spring Hill Music recording artist, Gordon Mote continues to add more honor to his long list of accolades. The recent Gaither Music DVD release, The Best Of Gordon Mote, sits atop the Christian Music Video Chart at the Number One slot, while the audio recording also sits at the Number One position on the Southern Gospel Music Chart, and #25 on the CCM Chart. Additionally, the DVD made its debut at #7 on the Billboard Music Video Chart, above such popular secular recording artists as Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson.

The Best of Gordon Mote video made its television debut the week of July 12 and officially was released for sale to the general public on July 22. The recording, hosted by internationally known singer/songwriter Bill Gaither, features an intimate interview with Mote and his entire family, as well as a collection of songs made popular by the multi-talented recording artist.

The Best of Gordon Mote DVD and CD is available at retail outlets nationwide. To obtain a complete listing of music available from Gordon Mote, as well as the musician’s complete touring schedule, visit http://www.rsimusicgroup.com or http://www.gordonmote.com

Canaan Records is pleased to announce a sneak preview of the three anticipated releases will be offered at http://www.HaveYouHeardTheWord.com from Tuesday, August 5th through Thursday August 7th. Nothin’ But Good from the Mike LeFevre Quartet, I Just Wanted You To Know from Kim Hopper and Faith To Believe from Mike & Kelly Bowling all release on August 12th in bookstores nationwide and online, but songs from these releases can be heard in their entirety on the website before you can buy them.

The select projects can also be purchased at http://www.canaanrecords.com for a special introductory price.

Hear the new releases now at http://www.HaveYouHeardTheWord.com.

Check out the pre-order specials at http://www.CanaanRecords.com/store

Leo Edward Harding, father of New Haven Records' Ken Harding passed away this weekend. The funeral was today in Nashville, TN. Please keep Ken, Debbie, and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mike is doing much better and is at home. He is hoping he will feel well enough to attend the singing each night of the Benefit Concerts August 7 and 8th.
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Mike had surgery Aug 4 about noon and came through the surgery very well. His vital signs were good enough to allow him to go to a regular room - not ICU - after surgery. He will be in the hospital from 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Hopefully, he will be home at least by Wednesday. He will have to have this same surgical procedure done again in ten days with another 2 day stay in the hospital. If that surgery does not take care of the problem, he will be facing a major surgery to correct this problem. Mike has scar tissue and polyps from the ventilator tube used during his first hospital stay immediately following his accident.
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We would like to ask that you pray for Mike Pillow, President of Lamp Music Group, and his family. Mike was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on his way home from the studio on June 18. After time in ICU, emergency surgery to remove his spleen, he was able to go home to continue his long road to recovery. Mike has been on oxygen since this accident, and over the past few days, breathing has become increasingly more difficult. Mike's blood pressure was dangerously high and his breathing extremely difficult even with the oxygen. He is in ICU in Emory Hospital in Atlanta. He will possibly have surgery on Monday to remove polyps from his air passageway that are a result of the ventilator tube during his hospitalization after his accident.

The King’s Heralds new MySpace site is complete with a store that allows you to purchase and download songs from their recordings. While not everything is currently available, the last 3 albums and two previous albums are now available. They are working on creating an archive of all recordings from 1982 until the present.

http://www.myspace.com/thekingsheralds
http://www.theheralds.org
http://www.kingsheralds.org

Tim Bates and Phillip Emery have sealed the new promotions agreement and are looking forward to working together. “The anointing on this family ministry is intense. They are the REAL DEAL. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with this great family and look forward to what God has in store for them,” stated Emery. The single from the new Bates Family project titled “This Place” will hit radio in early September. “New Man” will be available on the new DJ Man Hit Singles Volume 28 compilation.

We would like to ask that you pray for Mike Pillow, President of Lamp Music Group, and his family. Mike was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on his way home from the studio on June 18. After time in ICU, emergency surgery to remove his spleen, he was able to go home to continue his long road to recovery. Mike has been on oxygen since this accident, and over the past few days, breathing has become increasingly more difficult. Mike's blood pressure was dangerously high and his breathing extremely difficult even with the oxygen. He is in ICU in Emory Hospital in Atlanta. He will possibly have surgery on Monday to remove polyps from his air passageway that are a result of the ventilator tube during his hospitalization after his accident.

The Perrys have announced that Bryan Elliott, of the Anchormen (and formerly, the Palmetto State Quartet), will be their new pianist, effective Friday, August 8, when the group appears in Conway, Arkansas.

Tracy Stuffle says, "We're thrilled to have Bryan on board. We've literally watched Bryan grow up in Southern Gospel music, and fans across the country know that he is one of finest pianists on the road today."

The Anchormen's Tim Bullins, says, "The Anchormen certainly wish the absolute best for Bryan and his family. This is a great opportunity for him, and I'm very happy for him - and the Perrys! Bryan's a super pianist and a super young man!"

Current Single – “Never Count the Ways” – Doing Well at Radio!

NORTH GARDEN, Va. – Vertical Praise, an up and coming talent in Southern Gospel, recently completed recording vocals for their brand new album.

The group recorded vocals at Sunset Blvd. Studios in Franklin, Tennessee. The new recording is being produced by Donna Beauvais for Vertical Sky Productions.

The as-of-yet-untitled album features songs written by some of Gospel music’s most prolific writers including Chris Binion, Rebecca J. Peck, Gerald Crabb, Sheri LaFontaine, Twila LaBar, Marty Funderburk, Daryl K. Williams, and many more.

Tony Hensley of Vertical Praise said, “This is going to be an awesome project, and we are expecting God to bless many people around the country with the message of grace, faith & hope in these songs. It is truly amazing how God put this project together from start to finish.”

The new project will be available later this year. The debut single from the project will be announced at a later time.

Vertical Praise’s current single continues to make a strong impact at Southern Gospel radio. The current song, “Never Count the Ways”, is charting on several nationally recognized charts. The song charted for several weeks on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and debuted at #86 on the August 2008 issue of the Gospel Music News Top 100.

Holly Carden of Vertical Praise said, “We absolutely love ‘Never Count the Ways’ and couldn’t be more happy with how it has done on radio for us.”

The song was sent to radio with Jeff O’Neil’s Heritage Communications.

For more information on Vertical Praise, please visit http://verticalpraise.com. Fans are encouraged to visit the group’s MySpace at http://myspace.com/verticalpraisemusic.

About Vertical Praise
Vertical Praise is based out of North Garden, Virginia. The group was established in the spring of 2001 and was focused on regional ministry for many years. God began opening doors around the community for Vertical Praise to minister. The members of Vertical Praise are the first to tell you that all the praise, honor and glory goes to the Lord. All praise goes vertical! Members include Tony Hensley and Eddie & Holly Carden.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Christian music vocal group Beyond the Ashes is excited to announce the addition of Joe Combs to the group’s ministry team.

Joe is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He has been raised and influenced by Christian music all of his life – including a rich family history in Christian music. Joe’s father sang with the popular vocal ensemble Higher Ground in the 1970s. Joe recently relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

Anthony Facello of Beyond the Ashes said, “We are so excited to add Joe to our team. He’s a fantastic vocalist and fits in with the rest of the group very well. So far, the reception he has received from our fans and supporters has been excellent. We can’t wait for everyone to hear him with Beyond the Ashes.”

Beyond the Ashes has been in the studio recording vocals for their highly anticipated debut mainline release. Vocals for the as-of-yet untitled release were recorded at Kilowatt Studios in Mufreesboro, Tennessee and Sunset Blvd. Studios in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Sharing producing duties on the new recording are Dove Award-winning producers Wayne Haun (The Perrys, Greater Vision) and Kevin Ward (LordSong, Hope’s Call) as well as Donna Beauvais (Mercy’s Well, The Browders) and Anthony Facello.

Beyond the Ashes’ new album is due out later this year. The group will be releasing singles to both AC/INSP and Southern Gospel radio to coincide with the release of the album.

Pastors, promoters, and individuals interested in booking Beyond the Ashes can call (615) 866-8605 or email .

Check out more information on the group at http://www.beyondtheashesonline.com. You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/beyondtheashesonline.

About Beyond the Ashes
Beyond the Ashes (formerly Anthony Facello & Crossroad) was formed in June 2007 by acclaimed vocalist Anthony Facello. For the past 15 years, Anthony has had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to sing with such remarkably talented groups within the gospel music industry, including Heavenbound, the Down East Boys, Journeymen and most recently the award winning Mercy’s Mark. While turning the page of this new chapter in his life, Anthony has put together a new group that is certainly going to take the gospel music world by surprise. Each young man in the group brings an exuberant love, respect and admiration for gospel music.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Popular Southern Gospel trio Eighth Day just scored their first Top 20 hit. Their current single, “Rolled Away Stone”, will sit at #18 on the upcoming September 2008 issue of the Singing News Top 80 chart.

Scott Robinson of Eighth Day said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have our first Top 20 hit. ‘Rolled Away Stone’ has been a major part of our ministry over the last couple of years. To see the response that radio has shown the song has been very encouraging to our ministry.”

In addition to breaking the Top 20 on the Singing News Top 80, the song has also charted well on other industry charts. The song is currently ranked at #25 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and #63 on the August 2008 issue of Gospel Music News. In addition, the song is currently at #4 on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

“Rolled Away Stone” is the latest from a string of hits from the group’s last release, Headin’ Home. All four previous singles released from that critically acclaimed project have broken the Top 40 on the Singing News Magazine’s Top 80 chart, the industry’s most recognized chart.

Those songs, such as “He Would Have Done It Anyway” (#32), “I Wanna Go Home” (#35), “Back to Me” (#26), and “Safe In His Loving Arms (#29) have earned Eighth Day an impressive following at Southern Gospel radio.

The group is beginning work on a new project. More details on that recording will be available in the future.

More information on Eighth Day can be found at http://www.eighthdaymusic.com.

About Eighth Day
Eighth Day is a popular trio based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The group is made up of husband and wife team Scott & Joni Robinson and newest member Dave Mann. The group has quickly established itself as one of the top new talents in Gospel music today. Their fresh and progressive sound has been described as a little bit country, a touch of bluegrass, and a whole lot of Gospel!

Joy FM's morning show, The Morning JoyRide with Daniel, Candi, & Melody, heard on 21 radio stations in 7 states, welcomes The Booth Brothers as special co-hosts to the show. The
broadcast will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Joy FM and online at http://www.joyfm.org .

The Booth Brothers will be releasing their new project with Daywind Records, titled "Room For More," on the same day as the broadcast - Tuesday, August 5th. Ronnie, Michael, and Jim have enjoyed tremendous radio success already with their debut single, "Welcome to the Family." The group will be featuring songs from the new project on the 'JoyRide' broadcast.

Previous guests on the "JoyRide" have included Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band, Gordon Mote, Jeff & Sheri Easter, David Phelps, The Hoppers, Ivan Parker, Lauren Talley, Janet Paschal, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Aaron Wilburn, The Oak Ridge Boys, Austins Bridge, The Greenes, Dr. Kevin Leman, The Dove Brothers, Mark Lowry, The Crabb Family, Dr. Gary Chapman, Philip Yancey, Max Lucado, and many others.

More exciting guests, giveaways, and live broadcast plans are in the works - including the opportunity to see "The Morning JoyRide...LIVE" at the National Quartet Convention in September, 2008. In addition to breakfast, the show will include live artist interviews before an in-person audience of Joy FM listeners. It's part of a special Joy FM Bus Tour package, departing from several locations in various states.

The Morning JoyRide with Daniel, Candi, & Melody is broadcast live each weekday morning from 6-10 a.m. ET, and a Saturday "JoyRide Rewind" is heard from 8-10 a.m. ET on the award winning Joy FM, heard in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. More information is found on the web at http://www.joyfm.org

InnerFire‘s first single, “Take ‘em to the Lord”, has debuted at #70 on the September Singing News chart. InnerFire is a new southern gospel trio based out of Murfreesboro, TN. Their self-titled, debut album was produced by award-winning producer, Kevin Ward. The song was written by well-known gospel songwriter, Marty Funderburk.

The group had this to say about the single: “We feel honored to have received such a great tune coming out of the chute. Marty is such a talented writer and there always seems to be a transparency and genuineness that accompanies his music.”

Congratulations to Jonathan Price of the Dixie Melody Boys and Vivian Watkins of Powder Springs, GA. The two were married at Calvary Baptist Church in Powder Springs, GA on May 17th, 2008. The couple resides in Greenville, NC near Jonathan's hometown.

The Harvesters Quartet will release their newest project, Choose Jesus, August 22nd. This new collection of songs icontinues the long tradition and dedication to Southern Gospel music that The Harvesters have become known for. Mixing of the soon to be released project was recently completed at Gat3 Productions in Charlotte, NC by Glenn A. Tabor, III.

“We are proud to play a role in The Harvesters Ministry”, Glenn recently stated. “The Harvesters are true missionaries for the Lord, their warm personalities allow their listeners to truly feel like part of the Harvester’s family. We are proud to have them as part ours here at Gat3.”

The Harvesters, originally started in 1953, consist of Danny Parker, Howard Chandler, Allen Hunter and Jim Collins. Veteran producer and engineer Eddie Howard contributed his talents on this project as well. For more information about The Harvesters and their schedule, visit http://www.harvestersquartet.com for more information about Gat3 Productions, visit http://www.gat3.com

Song Garden Music Group has announced that Tim & Libby Thomas have signed an exclusive recording agreement with Grapevine Records. The Lebanon, TN based husband and wife duo are currently in the recording studio working on their first Grapevine records release. Song Garden Music Group V.P. David Staton stated, "Tim & Libby Thomas have one of the freshest, commercial sounds I've heard in a long time in gospel music. The material on this project is great and the production and style will make this cd a favorite for people who appreciate the entire package of great songs, vocals and production. I am extremely proud of them for the quality they bring to our label". The project will be produced by Gus Gaches, Dirk Johnson and Staton. The first single "Let Jesus To The Talkin' is scheduled to arrive at radio by August 10 and will also be available for stations to download on the radio page of http://www.songgardenmusicgroup.com .

Brand new gospel group Divine Favor has reached an agreement with Angie Hoskins Promotions. The new group is from Richmond,KY. They are heavily involved in their home church where Josh Patton, group manager, is music minister. Hoskins states, "There is nothing I like more, I love working with fresh new talent, and this group has the talent.!" They will be headed in the studio early fall to begin their new recording with AHP.

http://www.angiehoskins.com
http://www.myspace.com/divinefavorministries.com

Crossroads Recording Artists The Collingsworth Family are scheduled to be the Featured Artist on Paul Heil’s The Gospel Greats during the weekend of August 8-10, 2008. The program will feature songs from their latest studio release, We Still Believe, as well as interviews with Phil & Kim Collingsworth. Based in New Richmond, OH, The Collingsworth Family have toured full-time in both the US and Canada for more than 8 years .