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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

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.

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