A veritable who’s who of the Christian music industry gathered at BMI Nashville to celebrate the storied career of revered and multi-award winning songwriter Dave Clark. The reason for the celebration was Dave’s remarkable achievement, recently garnering another chart-topping song—“Child of the King,” recorded by Joseph Habedank—marking his 28th No. 1 across five decades in the CCM, Inspirational and Southern Gospel genres.

Beginning in 1987 with the Larnelle Harris hit “The Father Hath Provided,” Clark achieved unparalleled success throughout the 1990s and 2000s with hits from 4Him, Sandy Patti, Phillips Craig & Dean, Mark Harris, Karen Peck & New River, Greg Long and more. Showing no signs of slowing down, he continues to churn out popular songs. Larnelle, who is a close longtime friend of Dave’s, shared, “Kenaniah, a Levite leader in the Old Testament, was put in charge of music simply because he was good at it. Dave Clark has had five consecutive decades of number one songs on the national charts, because when it comes to songwriting, he’s just good at it.”

Daywind Music Publishing Vice President Rick Shelton was on hand to present Dave with a plaque for his most recent No. 1. “From the first song I heard in the 80s to his current number one and all the hits in between, Dave Clark has painted stories with powerful lyrics that have touched generations. His songs declare God and His love and bring hope, comfort, encouragement and joy to the hearts of all His children. Congratulations, Dave, for five decades of number one hits! I look forward to hearing what you create in the sixth decade,” stated Shelton.

President and Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association Jackie Patillo was in attendance to present Dave with a certificate of achievement from the GMA. Jackie expressed her appreciation for Dave, “The Bible talks about giving us a new song. It’s the power of God in the message that is healing people, inspiring the church and drawing people to Christ. Thank you for all that you do to spread the gospel through music and for your faithfulness to teach and to inspire and pass the torch along. It’s an amazing thing. As the president of the Gospel Music Association, on behalf of our board of directors and all of our members, congratulations on five decades of excellence in gospel music.”

Known among friends for his keen sense of humor and genuine kindness, Dave is always ready to open a door and usher others into the limelight. He has been the catalyst for innumerable successful songwriting and publishing careers through the years. He has the heart of a teacher. That heart, coupled with his ability to tell the stories of those he writes with and about, is what makes him the kind of writer the next generation of tunesmiths hopes to glean from and emulate. Some of those young songwriters, including Emily Ann Roberts and Gabrielle Rose Lovelace, were also in attendance to express their gratitude for his impact on their lives.

Dave’s wife Cindi and their three adult children, Allison, Anna and Sam, were by his side at the event – they are truly his greatest fans. Everyone in attendance was delighted to honor Dave. Overwhelmed by the love and support of those who came to celebrate him, Dave shared, “I know that, for some, to leave home at 17 with no money and a bad car would seem like a pretty big limb to jump off of, and yet for me the greater risk was always if I had stayed. Make no mistake, if it weren’t for a call, we wouldn’t be standing here. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate something like this than in a roomful of people who have written a story. I’ve been overwhelmed today. Yes, we celebrate the decades, but I’m a guy who’s always measured the journey by the moments, and all the moments are in this room. Everybody in this room represents a different season of what God has let us do all these years. There’s so many memories, so many stories. There’s a line in a Larry Gatlin song that says, ‘I’m just standing here trying to matter.’ By your presence here today, I feel like I do. Thank you.”

The Christian music industry is blessed to have benefited in so many ways from the selfless contributions of this great man.

LIST OF SONGS BY DECADE

1987 – The Father Hath Provided – Larnelle Harris   (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1989 – I Can Begin Again – Larnelle Harris    (Harris/Clark)

1991 – Didn’t You Know – Larnelle Harris    (Harris/Bunnelle/Clark)
1991 – Couldn’t We Stand – 4HIM    (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1991 – Be the One – Al Denson     (Denson/Koch/Clark)
1991 – Everything You Are – Larnelle Harris     (Harris/Clark)
1992 – Best of Friends – Sandy Patti     (Mauldin/Clark)
1992 – To Forgive – Al Denson    (Denson/Koch/Clark)
1992 – Why – 4HIM     (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1992 – Generation to Generation – Benson Artists     (Koch/Clark)
1993 – There Stands the Cost – Larnelle Harris     (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1994 – For Future Generations – 4HIM    (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1995 – Real Thing – 4HIM     (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1996 – Mercy Came Running – Phillips, Craig & Dean    (Dean/Koch/Clark)
1996 – Crucified With Christ – Phillips, Craig & Dean  (Phillips/Koch/Clark)
1996 – As Long As My Heart Know It’s You – 4HIM     (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1996 – Living on a Ring and A Prayer – Wilcox & Pardoe  (Wilcox/Salley/Clark)
1996 – Land of Mercy – 4HIM     (Harris/Koch/Clark)
1997 – This is How it Feels to Be Free – Phillips, Craig & Dean     (Craig/Koch/Clark)
1998 – Mercy Said No – Greg Long     (Long/Koch/Clark)

2000 – Marks of the Mission – Charles Billingsley  (Billingsley/Koch/Clark)
2000 – I’ve Got You Covered – Phillips, Craig & Dean     (Dean/Clark)
2003 – My Praise – Phillips, Craig & Dean     (Dean/Clark)
2005 – Life To the Living – Allen Asbury     (Asbury/Koch/Clark)
2009 – One True God – Mark Harris     (Harris/Clark)

2015 – Pray Now – Karen Peck & New River     (Peck/Farren/Clark)
2019 – I Know I’ll Be There – Karen Peck & New River     (Peck/Haun/Clark)

2022 – Child of the King – Joseph Habedank   (Habedank/Koch/Clark)

About Dave Clark
Multi-Dove award winning songwriter and Grammy-nominated producer, Dave Clark, began his journey in the music industry at age 17. With a 1974 Martin guitar and a whole lot of determination, Dave made his way from his hometown of Jackson, MI, to Nashville, TN, in pursuit of his dream of becoming a songwriter. That decisive move laid the foundation for his distinctive career as a songwriter, producer and author. His credits include songs recorded by Rascal Flatts, Larnelle Harris, Glen Campbell, CeCe Winans, Sandi Patty, Steve Green, 4HIM, Point of Grace, Al Denson, Phillips Craig & Dean, Donny Osmond, Michael Crawford, The Martins, and many others. He is the producer of numerous records, including two Grammy-nominated projects for J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. He is the  author of Worship Where You’re Planted and Living in the Power of My Weakness from Beacon Hill Press and has written more than 50 Christmas and Easter musicals. Dave currently serves as the Creative Director for Lillenas Publishing and is still, in his words, “chasing the song.”

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www.daveclarkwrites.com

Singing News is pleased to once again partner alongside Ark Encounter to make summer weekends sing with great Gospel music!  Artists from across the country will be singing on Noah’s Village stage in the shadow of the full-size Ark!

The concerts are free to all with a paid admission to the park and will take place every Friday and Saturday June 2 – July 29, 2023.  Make plans now to attend!

Get tickets to the park by clicking below!

We are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Faith Country & Bluegrass Music Festival taking place at the incredible Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY.

Last year was a resounding success that saw souls saved and the sound of Bluegrass and Faith Country favorites ring throughout the park.  This year features some incredible talent including Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Authentic Unlimited, Chuck Wagon Gang, Emily Ann Roberts, Mo Pitney, Eagle’s Wings, Jackson Heights, and a crew of new favorites that are sure to strum your heartstrings!

The concerts are free with paid park admission to make for a weekend you won’t soon forget!  Get your tickets today by clicking below:

Nashville, TN (February 15th, 2023) – The Old Paths are pleased to announce a new management agreement with Q & Dani Phillips of The Artist Element.  Over the last few months, the quartet has embarked on several changes in order to expand the group’s reach, and bringing a management team on board has been a key element in order to plan for the future.

Positive changes have not been in short supply for The Old Paths. With the recent announcement of Andrew Utech as the group’s new bass singer, as well as the intention of selecting a new name to represent the award-winning group, The Old Paths have felt that this season of change has been preparation for great things to come.  As an update to the prior announcement, the new name for the quartet has been selected, and will be unveiled within the coming months.

“This is an exciting time for The Old Paths, and we are honored to partner with them as they navigate through these changes,” shares Q Phillips of The Artist Element.  “We share a common vision, and together I believe we can accomplish great things for the Kingdom!”

To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow The Old Paths on social media, or visit theoldpathsonline.com.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (February 1, 2023) – In Touch Ministries, the ministry founded by Dr. Charles Stanley, has been announced as the title sponsor of the 2023 National Quartet Convention.

The announcement was made today by the National Quartet Convention’s (NQC) board of directors. NQC 2023 will be held September 24-30, 2023, in Pigeon Forge, TN, at the LeConte Center

“In Touch Ministries is excited to be a part of the 2023 National Quartet Convention,” said Seth Grey, Chief Communications Officer of In Touch Ministries. “Southern Gospel music has been vital to the encouragement and discipleship of Christians worldwide. As an organization that features many music artists on the In Touch television program, we look forward to a week of inspiring music and meeting In Touch friends from around the country.”

Clarke Beasley, Executive Vice President of NQC, stated: “It is with extreme honor and pleasure that we welcome In Touch Ministries as title sponsor for the 2023 NQC. The Kingdom work that has been accomplished by Dr. Stanley and the entire In Touch Ministries team over the decades has had enormous impact on the body of Christ and we are thrilled to partner with them in our joint missions.”

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch evolved out of a half-hour program called “The Chapel Hour,” which aired on Atlanta-area television stations. Today, the current “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” can be heard worldwide via radio and television broadcasts, podcasts, the handheld In Touch Ministries Messenger, In Touch apps, and online.

For more information on In Touch Ministries, visit www.intouch.org.

NQC 2023 will be held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN, from September 24- September 30, 2023.

Nightly concerts will feature beloved artists such as the Whisnants, Mark Trammell Quartet, Greater Vision, Hoppers, Jim & Melissa Brady, Triumphant Quartet, Joseph Habedank, Littles, Jonathan Wilburn, Guardians, Tribute, Legacy Five, Lynda Randle, Inspirations, Kramers, and so many more!

More information on Showcase Spectacular lineups, Chapel Services, and guest speakers will be announced at a later date.

Seats for NQC 2023 are now on sale at www.NQConline.com.

ABOUT NQC:
NQC – the National Quartet Convention – was founded in 1957 by gospel music legend and former backup vocalist for Elvis Presley, J.D. Sumner who co-produced the event with James Blackwood. The annual convention was moved in later years to Nashville, TN and then to Louisville, KY where it was held for 20 years. NQC is currently held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Tickets are now on sale for Primitive Quartet final concert on the farewell tour. The concert will be May 20, 2023.
The Primitives have partnered with Singing News brands and are incredibly excited to share this night with some of their best friends from around the world. Seating is limited and tickets are expected to go quickly.
Pictured below is Rick Francis (Publisher) and Scott Godsey (CEO) of Singing News.

For more information:
www.singingnews.com or call 1(888)684-3582

The Gospel Music world has lost one of its greatest showmen. Buddy went on to join that “Heavenly Parade” that he often sang about.

Born Clyde Lamar Thrasher in 1940, he was known as “Buddy” most of his life.  He is the middle child of three brothers who moved with their parents to Birmingham, Alabama, from Heflin, Alabama, in 1949. Their mother taught them to sing harmony at ages 6, 8, & 10, and they appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in 1948. In 1953, they won the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and appeared on national TV. Buddy added the baritone voice to the group, blending with his brothers Jim and Joe (Thrasher), along with various bass singers over the years.

Their popularity in the Gospel music circuit grew as they became known as dynamic and entertaining, closing many all-night singings in auditoriums across the country. In 1969, they introduced the TV show called America Sings with the Thrasher Brothers, which ran nationally for three years. The Thrasher Brothers were also the group that first introduced the song, “One Day At A Time,” in 1974, which is still recorded by artists today.

Buddy was always known as the comedian of the group. His onstage and offstage antics always entertained and thrilled audiences. One of his most popular routines was to “beg” his brothers to let him sing lead on a song. Not being the lead singer like his brother, Joe, Buddy would carry on onstage, insisting that he be featured on a song. Audiences ate up the banter between Buddy and his older brother, Jim. After being ignored throughout most of the show, Buddy would finally get his chance, and everyone cheered as he finally got to sing lead on a song. But as he began to sing and be featured on “The Heavenly Parade,” the other members of the group would leave the stage, leaving Buddy to continue singing his part by himself, over and over again. Buddy would take off his coat, then his tie, and pretend to be losing his voice, as he continued to sing his part by himself. The crowds loved it, and people lined up for hours to meet this man that made them laugh so much.

Buddy had nothing but good to say about everyone. His positive attitude was contagious as he assured you that it was a beautiful day, and that everything was “just marvelous.”  He was recently preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne, and is survived by: Sons, Michael Dewayne Thrasher and Patrick Lamar Thrasher; Grandsons, Jake Thrasher, Clyde Thrasher, Walter Thrasher, and one granddaughter, Jade Thrasher.

Funeral Service will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m., Service at 2:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel, 1500 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, Alabama 35235.

Effective February 1, 2023, Singing News will launch The Singing News Weekly Top 20 Chart. This new weekly chart will be managed, tabulated, and published by the staff of Singing News, and will be the only official weekly chart presented by Singing News brands.

The Singing News Weekly Top 20 Chart will be a spin-based chart. Select radio stations from across the country that program Southern Gospel music will report their Top 30 spins to Singing News from each weekly reporting period, and Singing News will tabulate and publish the most played Southern Gospel songs every Wednesday from the previous week.

Singing News Radio and Singing News TV will also produce a weekly Top 20 Countdown Show, built around each chart. The syndicated Top 20 Countdown radio show will be hosted by Greg Goodman, who is one of the most popular radio personalities in Southern Gospel music. Goodman will produce a top-quality Countdown show that is distributed to over 150 radio stations every week.

In addition, the popular syndicated radio show, The Gospel Greats, will reference the weekly chart in each show (which includes 140 radio stations and SIRIUS/XM), and Front Porch Fellowship, a Bluegrass Gospel syndicated radio show that is heard on 180 radio stations, will also play the Number One songs from this chart.

Industry veteran, Rick Francis, has overseen the official monthly Top 80 chart for the past 13 years. Rick will now be in charge of the weekly chart as a part of his responsibilities as publisher of Singing News Magazine.

The first Singing News Weekly Top 20 Chart will be distributed on February 7, 2023. The Gospel music industry has been asking for more spin data information from individual radio stations and networks. This has been at the forefront of the vision behind this new weekly chart.

For more information, contact:
Chris Sasser
top20@singingnews.com
615.571.409

Jerry Kirksey, Editor Emeritus of Singing News Magazine, passed away today at the age of 82. Mr. Kirksey had been in declining health for several years.
Born in Panama City, Florida, on June 13, 1940, Jerry and his family returned to his parents’ hometown of Pensacola following World War II. It was during his junior year of high school that Jerry first began working in one of his greatest passions, radio. After his graduation as a part of the Class of 1958, Jerry moved back to Panama City to begin work with WTHR Radio.
A return to Pensacola in March of 1960 set Jerry on the path that would ultimately defining his professional career. Jerry began working with The Florida Boys, as the quartet’s promotional director and office manager. This led to a working relationship with J.G. Whitfield. Jerry would work closely with Mr. Whitfield as the Southern Gospel music icon promoted concerts across the nation, and eventually launch what went on to become the largest and oldest Southern Gospel music publication, Singing News Magazine. Jerry served with Singing News Magazine from May 1969 until his retirement in 2010, encompassing a total of 492 issues. During his time at the magazine, Jerry created Southern Gospel music’s first National Radio Airplay Chart (1970) and the Singing News Fan Awards (1971).
In addition to his work with Singing News, Jerry served on the board of directors of the original Gospel Music Association, and the board of the original Southern Gospel Music Association of Georgia. He was involved in organizing the Southern Gospel Music Guild and the modern-day Southern Gospel Music Association. He was actively involved in the building and development of the original SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum at Dollywood. Jerry was inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jerry married Carolyn Sue Rhodes on October 1, 1967. Sons Kenneth and Brett would eventually work with Jerry at Singing News, especially after the family moved to Boone, North Carolina, in 1987 following the sale of the publication to North Carolina businessman Maurice Templeton. Likewise, Carolyn was a fixture at many Southern Gospel concerts as she and Jerry represented Singing News across the nation. Carolyn passed away in July of 2015.
Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. A complete tribute to Jerry will be found in the March 2023 issue of Singing News.

Nashville, TN (January 13th, 2023) – After several weeks of auditioning applicants, The Old Paths are pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Utech as the quartet’s new bass vocalist.

Hailing from Scottsboro, Alabama, the 29-year-old has been a fan of Southern Gospel since his grandfather first introduced it to him and his twin brother Alex.  Both brothers have gone on to make their mark within the genre: Alex as part of the Down East Boys, and Andrew has previously been a member of the Dixie Echoes.  The Old Paths are proud to be part of Andrew’s future, sharing, ‘We are so excited to introduce Andrew to our fans and friends! He’s an incredibly talented young man, and he’s going to be a fan favorite for sure!’

The Old Paths would also like to extend a gracious thank you to Keith Inman for stepping up to the position during the audition process.  ‘I had the privilege to witness Andrew Utech’s audition with The Old Paths and wow!’ shares Keith Inman. ‘God has blessed this young man with so much talent. Audiences were thrilled by Andrew’s powerful bass vocal and were endeared to him through his humble spirit. He sang his way right into their hearts. Andrew is a great new addition to The Old Paths!’

Andrew Utech currently resides in Alabama with his wife, Brittany, and 3 young children.

To view The Old Paths upcoming tour schedule, and stay up to date on current events, be sure to visit theoldpathsonline.com and following The Old Paths on social media.