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KJ Scriven & Family Set to Launch Heal House Community Church

By
Sarah Hearn
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KJ Scriven will serve as Lead Pastor of Heal House Community Church in 2025, along his wife Kira, daughter Allyson, and son Xander. While Charlotte, NC has been home to Kira since birth, KJ grew up in Fayetteville, NC. Together they have planted their roots in the Charlotte region for over a decade. They have a huge heart for the Greater Charlotte region.

Many know KJ for being a family man, an award-winning artist & songwriter, and a speaker. KJ will continue to operate in his creative arenas, however, KJ and his family are about to embark upon a new chapter in life.

KJ loves all of his Carolina sports teams. Kira enjoys baking, singing, reading and is passionate about her family. Allyson (9 yrs old) enjoys art, singing, dancing, and music. Xander (2 yrs old) is very energetic and keeps everyone on their toes.

Both KJ and Kira have an extensive background in leading worship. Three years ago, they started a worship movement called “Worship Unplugged.” Although God continues to tremendously bless Worship Unplugged, the Scriven’s couldn’t ignore the calling from God to build a local church. Heal House Community Church will be launching in January 2025 and will prioritize discipleship, connection, and Kingdom impact in the community.

Listen as KJ talks about the launch

Gospel Music Legends Bill & Gloria Gaither Honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award at the 55th GMA Doves Awards

By
Sarah Hearn
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The Gaither Music Group family proudly celebrates Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither, who were honored with the prestigious Jackie Patillo Leadership Award at the 2024 GMA DOVE Awards, recognizing their lasting contributions to the Gospel music community. The Jackie Patillo Leadership Award is given annually to recognize an individual or an organization that has demonstrated outstanding, sustained, and substantive contributions to the Christian and Gospel music industry. 

The honor was presented to the Gaithers in acknowledgment of their decades of leadership and the deep impact of their songwriting, which has uplifted countless audiences worldwide with beloved songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” “It Is Finished,” “Something Beautiful,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” 

As their names were announced, the audience leapt to its feet in recognition of the Gaithers’ profound legacy. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither shared a heartfelt message: “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” 

“I was so privileged and delighted to award Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award,” said Roy Morgan, Chairman of the Board, Gospel Music Association. “True leaders in our industry, their timeless songs and immeasurable impact have been an integral part of shaping Christian music across the decades. I can’t think of two people more deserving of this honor.” 

“We were overwhelmed by both receiving the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award and the way the audience at the Dove Awards honored us by their love,” said Bill and Gloria Gaither. “What a family this is—the Family of God! We are so glad to be a part of this Family.” 

This award reflects the Gaithers’ long history of excellence in Gospel music. Over the years, Bill and Gloria have penned more than 700 songs together, garnered eight GRAMMY® Awards and more than a dozen nominations, and earned over 40 Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards, with Songwriter of the Year titles to their credit eight times. The couple is also honored members of both the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

The Gaithers’ legacy continues to flourish. They recently hosted and filmed a Gaither Homecoming Hymns Singalong, set to release digitally and physically and scheduled to air on TV in January, which features performances by over 200 artists. In addition, their fall concert tour is currently underway, bringing timeless messages of hope and faith to audiences across the country. 

Their highly anticipated Christmas tour will kick off in December, featuring shows in cities such as Tulsa, OK; Paducah, KY; Grand Rapids, MI; and more. (See below for tour dates.)  

“We are so looking forward to the Homecoming Christmas Tour!” said Bill Gaither. “It is the one time in the year that no matter our musical preferences, we can come together around the event that split history in two—the birth of the Messiah. The body of songs that have celebrated this birth continues to unite us. Come join us! Bring the whole family and make a new memory this Christmas season.” 

Stay tuned for more details on the Gaithers’ upcoming projects. To find a complete list of tour dates, visit gaither.com. 

Gaither Vocal Band Tour Dates  

October 11: New Bern, NC — Temple Church 

October 12: Lexington, SC — Northside Baptist 

October 13: Savannah, GA — Johnny Mercer Theatre 

October 14: Lenoir City, TN — First Baptist Lenoir (SOLD OUT) 

October 15: Pigeon Forge, TN — LeConte Center 

November 7: Texarkana, TX — First Baptist Church 

November 8: Flint, TX — Flint Baptist (SOLD OUT) 

November 23: Decatur, IL — Tabernacle Baptist Church (Christmas Concert, SOLD OUT) 

November 24: Sterling Heights, MI — Bethesda Christian Church 

Christmas Concerts 

December 5: Benton, LA — Cypress Baptist Church 

December 6: Tulsa, OK — Mabee Center 

December 7: Paducah, KY — Heartland Church 

December 8: Concord, NC — Cabarrus Arena 

December 11: Louisville, KY — Southeast Christian Church 

December 12: Troy, OH — Hobart Arena 

December 13: Grand Rapids, MI — Central Wesleyan 

December 14: Shipshewana, IN — Blue Gate Performing Arts Center (1:00pm & 7:00pm) 

About Gaither Music Group: 

One of the largest independent Christian music companies in the world and a household name for millions of fans, Gaither Music Group (part of Sun Label Group, which encompasses Gaither Music, Sun Records, Green Hill, emeraldwave by Green Hill and Rural Rhythm), in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, is known worldwide for its award-winning and top-selling recordings including the Gaither Gospel Series, of which 133 products have been certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum. 

These recordings, which encompass more than 200 video copyrights, showcase Gospel music pioneers; many of the finest performers in the Gospel and country genres; up-and-coming acts; and country artists including The Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune, Joey+Rory, Alabama, Alan Jackson, The Statler Brothers, George Jones, Vince Gill, Josh Turner, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Isaacs and others. 

The Gaither Music Group brand has partnered with established artists including The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, Sandi Patty, Gloria Gaynor, Steven Curtis Chapman and a host of acclaimed talent from various fields of music. Gaither Music Group has garnered sales of more than 40 million DVDs and CDs, including such PBS stalwarts as Billy Graham: God’s Ambassador, the only authorized video autobiography of Reverend Billy Graham; The Gospel Music of Johnny Cash; and three Elvis Presley projects, including He Touched Me and The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, in conjunction with the Elvis Presley Estate. 

Gaither Music Group developed a strategic partnership with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® in 2008; and its alliances with Capitol Christian Music Group, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Universal Music Group and Time Life Music remain bedrocks for the company. Most recently, the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel crossed the 3.5 billion life-to-date streaming benchmark and hosts more than 3.5 million subscribers. 

Earnest Pugh CD Reveals CD Cover

By
Sarah Hearn
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Award winning singer, songwriter, author and artist, Earnest Pugh is set to release his 12th CD Project entitled “Worthy Is The Lamb.” Produced by E. Devon Goodwin (Melvin Crispel and Chandler Moore) and featuring Lady Neek Smith (a soloist for Ricky Dillard’s New G). According to Pugh “This project is an Easter Essential and a “must have” because it focuses heavily on the worthiness of Jesus Christ. Jesus is deemed worthy— not because of his pedigree as the son of God or the fact that He lived a perfect life but because of His obedience as the sacrificial lamb who took on the form of man and become the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.

The 9-song CD will be released via MNRK/Blacksmoke Worldwide one week before his 58th Birthday on Friday, November 15th this year and pre-orders-available on Friday, October 11th. 

Pugh came into prominence as a national recording artist 15 years ago (2009) with his chart-topping single “Rain On Us.” He went on to release 3 additional #1 Billboard Singles “I Need Your Glory” “God Wants To Heal You” and “Thank You So Much.” His latest Top 30 single “Don’t Give Up” is currently impacting radio across the country and 

He completed work recently recording a duet “Right There” with La’Sha Knox. dropping 4th quarter 2024.

Pugh’s earlier CDs and Features: 

  • A Worshipper’s Perspective: Featuring Nikki Ross and D’Atra Hicks
  • Rain On Us: Featuring Richard Smallwood and Vanessa Bell Armstrong
  • Earnestly Yours: Featuring Beverly Crawford 
  • Christmas with Earnest Pugh & Friends:Featuring: Lisa Knowles, Nikki Ross, Chrystal Rucker, and Vincent Tharpe
  • The E-Factor: Featuring Layla Hathaway 
  • Worship In Nassau: Featuring Rance Allen, Shirley Caesar, LeJune Thompson, J. Moss, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, and Martha Buries 
  • Just Worship (EP)
  • Hidden Treasures & Collaborations 
  • Survive: Featuring Kierra Sheard-Kelly and Nikki Ross 
  • The Outpour Experience, Vol. 1: Featuring Betty Griffin-Keller
  • The Very Best of Earnest Pugh: Featuring Crystal Aiken

“UNSUNG HERO” WINS “FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR” AT THE 55TH ANNUAL DOVE AWARDS

By
Sarah Hearn
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“Unsung Hero,” the Lionsgate/for KING + COUNTRY Entertainment’s biopic of the Smallbone family’s emigration from Australia to the U.S., won the 2024 Dove Award at this year’s 55th Annual Dove Awards ceremony that aired nationwide on October 4.  The film that starred Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, and Terry O’Quinn, was directed and written by Joel Smallbone and Richard L. Ramsey; and produced by Joshua Walsh, Justin Tolley, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone.  The film chronicles David and Helen Smallbone’s journey that led them to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in inspirational music history: four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.

The film garnered more than $20M at the box office and has also recently been named a top-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes for 2024 so far, with a 99% verified audience score on the new Popcornmeter feature.

Says Joel and Luke Smallbone of for KING + COUNTRY: “Two of the most significant people in our lives are our Mum and our Dad. To be able to pass off the Dove Awards speech to them – for Dad to have the opportunity to share the stage after being around the industry for 50+ years was quite the moment that we got to share as a family. Awfully grateful for the kindness shown by the GMAs in making ‘Unsung Hero’ ‘Feature Film of the Year!’”

Multi-Platinum selling duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING + COUNTRY is fresh off their first ever sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater on their 31-city U.S. tour titled “for KING + COUNTRY LIVE: The UNSUNG HERO 2024 Tour,” that continues through November 10. The tour features music from their current “UNSUNG HERO: The Inspired By Soundtrack,” as well as fan favorites, and is giving audiences a new innovative production unlike any other for KING + COUNTRY show to date. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased HERE.

The duo will also be embarking on nine select 2024 performances for its “A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | THE 2024 TOUR EXPERIENCE” in the U.S. and the U.K. starting December 1 – December 20. The highly anticipated holiday spectacle will come to select cities:  Los Angeles, California at The Peacock Theater; London, UK at Indigo At The 02; New York, New York at The Beacon Theatre (two shows); and in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry House.  The annual high-octane show that brother duo Joel and Luke Smallbone have become known for, will showcase an extraordinary production blending festive visuals and stunning lighting and staging effects. In its fifth consecutive year, for KING +COUNTRY will perform at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, marking their second concert residency at the historic venue.

ABOUT “UNSUNG HERO”:

Based on a remarkable true story, “UNSUNG HERO” follows Helen and David Smallbone as they move their family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after David’s successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING +COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James. The film stars Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, and Terry O’Quinn. It was directed and written by Joel Smallbone and Richard L. Ramsey; and produced by Joshua Walsh, Justin Tolley, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone.  For more information visit: https://unsunghero.movie/.

ABOUT FOR KING + COUNTRY

for KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos.  Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, 11 GMA Dove Awards, and 17 K-LOVE Fan Awards. Their 13 No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams. The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand.  for KING + COUNTRY’s WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?, released this year, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, BURN THE SHIPS, which also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The duo has had seven consecutive No. 1 songs including “For God Is With Us” “joy.,” “TOGETHER” (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows.”  The global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Jordin Sparks, Hillary Scott, Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE and Timbaland, amongst others. Joel and Luke Smallbone are committed to numerous philanthropic efforts focused on human trafficking, children in need, as well as numerous programs in support of the arts.  Additionally, “UNSUNG HERO,” Joel Smallbone’s directorial debut film from for KING + COUNTRY Entertainment, was theatrically released via Lionsgate on April 26, 2024. Titled from the duo’s song of the same name that was dedicated to their parents, the biopic follows the Smallbone family’s immigration from Australia to the United States. For more information about for KING + COUNTRY visit:  www.forkingandcountry.com.

EVVIE MCKINNEY RELEASES NEW SINGLE “DON’T WALK AWAY”

By
Sarah Hearn
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 Soulful songstress Evvie McKinney is back with a stunning new single, “Don’t Walk Away,” showcasing her remarkable vocal talent and emotional depth. Released today, the track blends heartfelt lyrics with a captivating melody, delivering a passionate message about love, resilience, and staying committed through the ups and downs of a relationship. “Don’t Walk Away,” is available now wherever music is sold and streamed. “Don’t Walk Away” marks Evvie’s first release on Platoon, an artist services, A&R, and music distribution company. 

Penned by Evvie McKinney and Tyler Bellinger and produced by Rodney Jerkins and Stanley Brown, “Don’t Walk Away” is a rhythmic, feel-good song that reflects Evvie’s most recent personal encounters with Chris. The uplifting lyrics combined with the 808s, bass and electric guitars are a perfect blend between Blues and Gospel. The new single is an empowering anthem, urging listeners to fight for connection to God in a world where walking away often seems easier. 

McKinney, who first captivated audiences as the winner of FOX’s The Four: Battle for Stardom, continues to build on her legacy of creating music with a purpose. “Don’t Walk Away” follows the success of her previous hits, including “Just Like God” and “Bring the Whole Hood.” In 2022, she co-hosted the 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards pre-show alongside Pastor Mike Jr. 

In discussing the release, McKinney shared, “Recently, I’ve seen the Lord orchestrate his will in my life, and at the time, I didn’t understand what the Lord was doing, and there were even times I felt like I could’ve drowned, but because, like Peter, when I chose to keep my eyes on Jesus, I learned how important it is to never walk away from God, because he truly knows what He’s doing..”

“Don’t Walk Away” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Stream here.

 Follow Evvie McKinney on social media by using the handle @Evvie_Music.

About Evvie McKinney

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Evvie McKinney rose to prominence as the winner of the inaugural season of The Four: Battle for Stardom. Known for her dynamic vocals and magnetic stage presence, she has since become a rising star in the music world, blending genres and delivering messages of faith, love, and perseverance through her music.

55th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

By
Sarah Hearn
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he 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 1st, 2024, to a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee. Jonathan Smith was most awarded with seven wins including Producer of the Year. Phil Wickham took home four Doves including Worship Album of the Year. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three total wins including Artist of the Year. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram each received three awards and Forrest Frank, who won two awards, took home New Artist of the Year. The show aired tonight, Friday, October 4th, exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high energy, multi-genre night of music.

CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” complete with a 24-person choir. Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance. Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room. One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes.

In a heavy yet worshipful moment, host Tauren Wells spoke about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community. Especially poignant, Wells played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, and reminded the audience how important it is to speak words of love to those around us. “I know so many of you in the room received messages, support and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.” The moment was capped off with a stirring performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” from Natalie Grant.

In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena.

Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Bill and Gloria are legendary songwriters behind songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” As their names were called to receive the award, the audience leapt to its feet to celebrate the beloved couple. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither said, “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” The GMA was honored to award Bill and Gloria Gaither the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.

To watch the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on demand on TBN+: CLICK HERE

Partial list of winners:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: CeCe Winans

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Forrest Frank

SONG OF THE YEAR: “Holy Forever”

WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)

RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: His Glory Alone II – KB

SPANISH LANGUAGE RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “God Problems” – Maverick City Music (ft. Naomie Raine, Chandler Moore)

POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR: COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Live In Amsterdam – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR: Unsung Hero – (Directors) Richard Ramsey, Joel Smallbone, (Producers) Joel Smallbone, Josh Walsh, Luke Smallbone, Justin Tolley

For the full list of winners, CLICK HERE.

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be live, Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.

OUT OF EDEN Celebrates 30 Years with ‘Lovely Day 3.0’

By
Sarah Hearn
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Today, DARE Records, announces the 30th anniversary celebratory re-imagined single release of, “Lovely Day,” from groundbreaking, pioneering, GRAMMY® nominated, and GMA Dove Award-winning Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) trio, OUT OF EDEN (sisters Lisa Nicole, Andrea Baca, and Danielle Torrez). “Lovely Day 3.0” is an updated musical take on the group’s 90’s debut single featuring the ladies signature sound over afrobeats and is available now, across all streaming platforms.

The new release “Lovely Day 3.0,” takes the ladies – and their fans – full circle as they refresh their debut single. Now atop AfroBeat rhythms and percussion-forward instrumentation, their new vocals prominently display their growth, evolution, confidence, and conviction as grown women who know a thing or two about speaking positivity over their day, and their lives. “Lovely Day” picks right up where the group left off without skipping a beat.

Michael “Mooki” Taylor, DARE Records, Founder, shares, “I’ve known these ladies for over 30 years. I’ve written with and produced them; having them on DARE is a long-time coming and great fit. We are very excited about their upcoming release.”

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, the Kimmey sisters first started performing as background singers for their mom, a classical pianist and former Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. As the first act signed to Gotee Records, the trio released their debut album, 1994’s Lovin’ the Day, produced the hit lead single “Lovely Day,” which was a fresh and contemporary nod to Bill Withers’ classic of the same name. The success of the song set the stage for their sophomore release, More Than You Know, released in 1996, which was even more successful and solidified the group’s place in the Christian music industry. Subsequent albums such as No Turning Back (1999), This Is Your Life (2002) and Love, Peace, & Happiness (2004) brought with them numerous awards and accolades, including GMA Dove Award wins for Best Urban Album (This Is Your Life), Urban Song of the Year (“Meditate”), and nominations for Urban Gospel Album of the Year (Love, Peace, & Happiness) and Urban Gospel Song of the Year (“Soldiers”). An organic creative pivot found the group reimagining classic songs of the church on their aptly titled 2005 album Hymns, which garnered a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2006.

The Isaacs Release New Single “Goodness of God”

By
Sarah Hearn
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Gaither Music Group is excited to celebrate the release of “Goodness of God,” the first single from the GRAMMY-nominated, multi-GMA Dove Award and Singing News Award-winning group The Isaacs’ first-ever praise and worship project, the highly anticipated album Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah. The single is available now on all digital platforms as fans await the full album release on October 25, 2024. The band – members of the Grand Ole Opry and the GMA Hall of Fame – will make a stop at the Grand Ole Opry October 30th during their fall tour across the US. (Get tickets here.)

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah is an inspiring collection of some of today’s most celebrated praise and worship songs, including The Isaacs’ original track, “(More Than A) Hollow Hallelujah.”

The Isaacs first started playing on the Grand Ole Opry 30 years ago and were inducted as members in 2021 (one of the first gospel artists to join the Opry’s ranks). Matriarch Lily and her three children, Ben, Sonya and Becky, have won numerous awards and earned Gospel Hall of Fame status for their work, which has resonated with audiences worldwide. For decades, the group has bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream country music, performing with the likes of Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss and opening for Reba McEntire’s 2023 tour.

Their upcoming album reflects their talent for producing stunning harmonies and blending bluegrass, Southern gospel, and country sounds, reimagining time-honored classics like “You Say,” “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” and “What A Beautiful Name” with heartfelt arrangements that invite listeners into a moving worship experience.

To accompany the album release, a special concert DVD will also be available, featuring performances filmed at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. The DVD captures The Isaacs performing these timeless songs with behind-the-scenes stories and interviews. The DVD will be released simultaneously with the album on October 25, 2024.

The Isaacs will debut the special via TV broadcast on UPTV, followed by broadcasts on RFD-TV, TBN, and other networks on October 25. A YouTube premiere of the performance and interview highlights from the recording will be available on Gaither Music TV on the same day.

For those eager to get an early glimpse, GaitherTV+ will offer early access to The Isaacs’ latest video content starting October 17, 2024. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive performances and behind-the-scenes stories ahead of the full album’s release. Subscribe here for early access to Gaither’s latest content.

“We have learned the healing, freeing power of singing praise in our lives time and time again,” Sonya Isaacs reflects. “We wanted to create a project that not only celebrates these incredible songs but also helps others find peace and victory through faith and worship in a world where we so desperately need it!”

The Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah CD and DVD are available for pre-sale now at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Parable.com and other retailers. The recording and companion DVD are distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.

Track Listing:

Gratitude

Blessings

(More Than A) Hollow Hallelujah

Alpha And Omega/ Agnus Dei

What A Beautiful Name

You Say

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Goodness Of God

Reckless Love

Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)

King Of Glory

Forever

The first digital single, “Goodness of God,” is now available for streaming and download here. The full album Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah will be available for digital and physical purchase on October 25, 2024, and can be pre-ordered here.

The Fantastik Violinaires Release New Single “CALL ON HIM” Featuring Danny Walker

By
Sarah Hearn
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The Violinaires have been an institution in Gospel music since the early 1950s. With Detroit, MI roots, The Violinaires were founded by Isaiah “Lil’ Shot” Jones, Wilson DeShields, and Leo Coney. Wilson Pickett joined the Violinaires for a brief period, then went solo to become a soul music superstar. New members added to the group were Willie Banks and Robert Blair, who led the group until his death in 2001, when he was replaced by pastor Danny Walker. By the ’80s, The Violinaires became The Fantastic Violinaires, signed to Malaco Records.

Fast forward to today, over seventy years of writing, performing, and ministering great Gospel and Gospel quartet classics and hits, and after a few variations on the group’s name, they are now known by The Fantastik Violinaires and are still making their mark in Gospel music. Today, The Fantastik Violinaires group members are Danny Walker, Wesley Hill, Lamont McDowell, RaShane Hayes, Brandon McDowell, Jerry Hasberry, and Rashaun Hayes. These gentlemen have released an all new single, “Call On Him.”

“Call On Him” was originally written in the late ’60s (writer unknown), addressing the many different religions surfacing during that time. The writer wanted to emphasize that the song they were singing represented a group who truly believed in the one Jesus Christ. Executive producer Lamont McDowell says, “We revamped and released the song today for the same reasons and purpose of the song’s original intent. Many more religions exist today, but we continue to represent and serve the only risen Savior.”

The Fantastik Violinaires want listeners to experience the authenticity of the song and the clear message that in times of trouble, distress, opposition, or whatever it may be, you can Call On Him—Jesus Christ.

“Call On Him” is a soul-energizing song that blends the old-school sound of The Violinaires with the fresh new sound of quartet. The single is arranged by McDowell and Wesley Hill and produced by McDowell, Rashane and Rashaun Haynes. “Call On Him” is available now on all digital music outlets and is released by the independent label Millennium Sound Records.

Mack Brock Releases First Centricity Music Album, This Is Holy

By
Sarah Hearn
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Multi-Platinum® songwriter and worship leader Mack Brock releases his debut Centricity Music album, This Is Holy, available now at digital and streaming outlets internationally via https://mackbrockmusic.lnk.to/ThisIsHoly. The full-length studio album is a sacred collection of original anthems intended to remind listeners, and Brock’s own heart, that there’s an all-knowing God who is completely sovereign, trustworthy and deserving of all praise.

“This is a worship record giving praise to God and talking about who God is, what He’s done in my life, and what I want my life to look like. Sometimes I lose focus on the fact that being in the presence of God is a holy thing,” shares Brock. “It’s something I talk about from stage often — how worshiping God is a holy act. The fact that we don’t have to jump through hoops to go to God is such a special thing. But so often we forget that it’s holy.”

Reconciling one’s present circumstances with God’s character can be challenging, but Brock’s songs act like a compass, guiding believers toward what is most true. He consistently does this by writing about all the ways he’s found God to be faithful across the story of his life.

Lead single “Time and Time Again,” playing now on Air1 and many more radio outlets internationally, is a testament to that ethos. Brock penned the hope-affirming original with Josh Baldwin and GRAMMY®-nominated Hank Bentley. “The heartbeat of this song is looking back and seeing what the Lord has done,” Brock affirms. “It’s such an important tool to build our faith for what’s next.”

This Is Holy also features the anthemic “Just Like You’ve Always Done,” simple, poignant “Be Near” that features GRAMMY-winning Elevation Worship member Jenna Barrientes, triumphant “The Greatest Victory,” and “The Best God,” which features Brock’s nine-year-old daughter, Cyrus, who wrote the innocent selection completely on her own.

“It’s probably my favorite song on the record, and I had nothing to do with it,” Brock confesses of the offering full of childlike faith. “It’s such a sweet, tender, precious way to communicate the way you see God; and to have Cyrus singing on it, obviously, is important to me, because she captures the essence of it.”

The strength of Brock’s new music rides on the hope he finds in the unfolding story his family is living. The South Carolina native and his wife, Meredith, who serves as the CEO of Proverbs 31 Ministries, have three children. Having discovered the unexpected joy in foster parenting, the couple welcomed their youngest, Zah’mere, by way of fostering and then adoption earlier this year. They also have two biological children, Harvey and Cyrus, and remain a licensed foster family.

This Is Holy track listing

01) We Praise the Lord

02) Time and Time Again

03) The Greatest Victory

04) Magnify

05) I Will Exalt You (This Is Holy)

06) The Best God (feat. Cyrus Brock)

07) Just Like You’ve Always Done

08) Be Near (feat. Jenna Barrientes)

09) Bless the Lord

10) Christ or Nothing

11) Your Love Is

All the latest Mack Brock tour, music, news and more information can be found on at https://www.mackbrock.com, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Twitter.

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