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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.

Posted on the Classic Imperials’ Facebook page:

Nashville, TN (December 8th, 2022) – The Old Paths have announced the departure of long-time bass singer, Daniel Ashmore.

Daniel Ashmore originally joined the quartet in 2011, and throughout the years has proven to be an integral part of the group’s well-rounded harmony and a delight to have on the road.  While he still has a deep passion for Southern Gospel and the countless friends he made along the way, Daniel was recently offered a position within his home church and feels as though the Lord has called him to take a step of faith into this new opportunity.  Tim Rackley, Doug Roark and Steve Ladd, the other members of the quartet, are all incredibly supportive of this new venture, and wish Daniel the very best in the days ahead.

The Old Paths will begin accepting applications from qualified bass singers interested in joining the quartet.  Submissions including a resume/bio, picture and vocal demo can be sent to contact@theoldpathsonline.com

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

Arden, North Carolina (December 7, 2022) — In a project rooted in one glorious moment of spontaneous music-making, Horizon & Sonlite Records artists Lauren Talley, known from her time with award-winning gospel group The Talleys and as a powerful soloist; Amber Eppinette Saunders, dynamic vocalist of 11th Hour, one of today’s leading Southern Gospel groups; and Kenna Turner West, a celebrated and award-winning songwriter and vocalist, are now bringing their personal talents and experiences together for a unique collaborative endeavor: Writing, recording and releasing music as a trio simply known as Lauren, Amber & Kenna.

The three — longtime friends and collaborators — were traveling when they shared a video on social media of themselves singing. When Horizon & Sonlite staff saw it, it sparked the idea for the trio.

“Who would have thought a Facebook video of three friends singing together in the car would have ended up here?!” says Lauren. “We’ve all been friends for a long time, we sing, we write, and now we’re putting it all together in a powerful way.”

“I am overjoyed to be working with two of my dearest friends,” says Amber. “We all have lived life full of testings, tragedies, and trials but we now have a testimony of how God has and is bringing us through. That is what this music will showcase, and I can’t wait for you all to hear our hearts through it.”

Kenna adds, “I am so grateful to Crossroads for this opportunity. The three of us have been like family for years, and now to be able to sing together — it’s an absolute joy! We each come at this with unique gifts and unique platforms of ministry, and when it all comes together, what we have collectively is something very special.”

With a vocal blend comparable to great collaborations both within and beyond the world of Gospel music — from the legendary Trio of Emmylou Harris, Dolly Partonand Linda Ronstadt to Sisters and Point of Grace — Lauren, Amber & Kennahave taken an expansive approach to their work, combining their individual and joint influences and interests to create music that ranges from Gospel to Worship, and CCM to Southern Gospel, yet always retaining both their distinctive individual voices and the common roots they share.

Already, the three have begun recording new music with Roger Talley producing, and their first single, “Ever-Present, Almighty God,” (written by Amber, Kenna and Jason Cox) will be released in early 2023.

“It’s a joy to work with these three talented ladies,” says Roger. “They have an incredible energy and passion in their singing and writing that makes their songs truly come alive. I’m so excited about the music that’s coming soon!”

Nashville, TN – Riding high on the heels of the success of their recent Top Five radio single, “Gonna Take It And Leave It”, New Haven Records and popular, multi-award winning quartet, Gold City has announced the release of a brand new single to radio. The sophomore single is the title cut from the group’s “Once And For All – The Songs of Doug Riley” recent recording on the New Haven label.  This album features newly named members, Chris Jenkins and Bruce Tallaferro, as well as long-time group member, Danny Riley and bass singer, Chris West. “Once And for All” is such a strong song about the work our Lord and Savior did at Calvary for our salvation,” Danny Riley shares. “It’s very humbling to think that Jesus would die on a cross to save us, but He did. The song is our offering of praise for the finished work of the cross.”

In October, Gold City hosted a live Facebook concert, debuting the new group, and the response has been overwhelming. “This has been an unusual year for Gold City,” Danny Riley explains, “with challenges and transitions, but God is faithful. He has always sent the people we needed at the time we needed them, and we are very blessed because He has done it once again. We are excited about the future of the group, and the new music God is allowing us to produce.”

Gold City is blessed with new personnel, as well as the success of their current recording, which is a tribute to Doug Riley, Danny’s brother, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 2006. “This recording is near and dear to my heart because all the songs were written by my late brother, Doug,” Danny conveys. “Doug’s testimony and heart are written into every song, and the gift of his music is his legacy to our family.”

“The Riley family has been a part of the New Haven family for a long time,” states New Haven President, Ken Harding. “It is truly an honor for us to have the opportunity to release this very special recording. It is a testimony of the impact Doug’s life made on so many people and the impact his life will continue to make for many years to come.”

The recording was truly a labor of love. “This recording honors my brother, my hero and best friend,” Danny Riley shares. “He wrote from his heart and these songs are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them many years ago.”

“Once And For All” is presently available on iTunes, Amazon and all other streaming platforms.

Philip Kolb is resigning his position with Soul’d Out.  Philip has shared the following statement:

“As of February 2023 I will be stepping away from my position with Soul’d Out. I have been very blessed with the opportunity of being a part of Soul’d Out for the last few years however, the time has come for a change. I want to thank all the guys I’ve had the privilege of working with in the group. They all taught me so much and I’m forever grateful. I especially want to thank Matt Rankin for believing in me and having me on his team. I am looking forward to seeing where God will lead me in this great world of Christian music. Thank you all for your prayers and support.”

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.

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.

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