Southern Gospel Point of View

I give this song an A+.

2021-07-15T08:26:00.004-04:00

New music is being cranked out from some of your favorite gospel artists. Brian Free & Assurance, Taranda Greene, Joseph Habedank, Tribute Quartet and many more. Today I will focus on just a few and as always, I encourage you to listen to the music yourself and form your own opinions.

For nearly three months I have been anxiously waiting for Brian Free & Assurance (BFA) to release their new album. Today I got to listen to the first radio single, and I love it. BFA has a knack for getting the message of the gospel and hope in their albums over and over. Their yet to be released album “Looks Like Jesus” is no exception to this. The first single is “What the Cross Really Is”, as you would think, it does speak of the Cross of Christ, but it goes deeper. One line is “Looks like shackles being broken, like burdens being lifted…”, this lyric could stand alone, but given that it is delivered in their tight harmonic trio style and a still conservative style, I give it an “A +”.

Taranda is up next, a large step away from conservative she sings in a Night Club style. Can the gospel really be presented in such a style? Technically, yes, but for my old soul it is not a pleasing combination. In this one song, you will almost smell the cigarette smoke, and see the reflection from the disco ball. “Somebody Told me ‘Bout Jesus” is delivered with a whisper at times and a repetitive backup singer doo-wap style throughout the song. Since I’m apparently grading songs in this article, I give it a “C-“. This album is a huge departing from when she sang with her late husband and the Greene’s.

Tribute Quartet is next with “Somebody Tell”. It does begin with an uneasy feel but it quickly brought back to a traditional Southern Gospel Sound… though not completely. It is from their 2019 album, “Living the Stories”, it does not have the newest voice of Bass singer, Ian Owens, but don’t let that stop you. The song, and album is a great pick me up and will please you by providing toe-tapping music, and a heart felt message. Oh, by the way, I guess I’ll give this one an “A”.

It pains me to be negative about an album, artist, or song, especially when it contains the Gospel. However, in my opinion if you have to wade through the muddied waters of instrument choice and musical style, and artistry to hear it, is it really sharing the Gospel message? It is highly likely that many of you that read this may disagree with me, some may agree but remember… this is just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Religion, Unspoken Requests, and Trust

2021-04-15T08:33:00.001-04:00

I’ll take today’s writing as an opportunity to introduce three new songs. Before I get into that, I need to remind you of the refreshing that comes from great gospel music. Admittedly, not all new releases will not fall into that category, but as one preacher put it, “When a song is church approved…”, it passes the test. It’s not only about lyrical hooks, and musical runs, or even vocal prowess or stage presence, what I look for in a song is if it truly blesses me and can be sang in my church. So, with that, I’m often very hard on songs, but I’ll give them all a chance.

Up first is The Erwin’s new release, “The God I Know”. In this moving ballad the siblings begin with that all too often problem, unanswered prayer. Hope is given in the chorus as they describe God as the mountain mover, the holder of our souls, and calmer of storms. The second verse has a poignant line “Tell your heart to trust Him”, this may be one of the gut wrenching lines in the song. Could it be that reason for our prayers being unanswered is that we haven’t fully trusted Him?

The Jordan Family Band have also released a song about prayer and faith. This title, “Unspoken” takes me back to my youth when our pastor would take prayer requests and always ask if there were any unspoken requests. You see, those unspoken requests are often so dear to our hearts, so intimate in nature that we cannot publicly express them. As Randa Jordan sings, sometimes “all I offer is a groaning, inside my soul there is a knowing” that God hears our unspoken requests.

“Religion isn’t Working” anymore is the very first line of Joseph Habedank’s brand new single. An off-putting title to say the least, but if you have followed Joseph for any length of time, you know He’s like those Fire and Brimstone preachers of yesteryear that give their convicting sermons a title to catch your ear. In the second verse, He sings, “Religion never set nobody free, it’s always made a prisoner out of me”. Let me pause and say “AMEN”, before I trusted Christ as my Savior, I tried religion, IT DOES NOT WORK. Joseph later sings, “Just give me Jesus”, that’s all you need. Jesus, just to say His name, brings peace to my heart.

This week, beginning Monday April 19, 2021 our Church will host our Camp Meeting for the 35th year. As a singer and Pastor, I can assure you that some of those “church approved” songs will be lifted under the old tent. We won’t be pushing a religion, but Jesus Christ, so drive the short distance outside of Americus, to Lighthouse Baptist Church on Hwy 280. Now, that just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

Longevity in Southern Gospel

2021-04-09T08:44:00.002-04:00

Let me say first, I am no historian of Gospel Music. Also, I am not a researcher into deep guarded secrets of Gospel Music. I know what I know, so the information will be cursory, some vague, and some of the info, you may already know.

Without a doubt, there is longevity in the ranks of Southern Gospel Artists. Yes, there are some that start out and finally make it to the national stage and then fall away. This may be because of the schedule demands, travel logistics, or some other internal issues or decision. There are however, many Southern Gospel group and individuals that have travelled and ministered for decades.

Right off the cuff is The Cathedrals, they sang into retirement for 37 years. The Hoppers are still going strong and have celebrated 63 years, while the Perry’s announced just last week that on Christmas day, they began their ministry 50 years ago.

Another group from just down the road in Nashville, Georgia began their 37 year on Christmas Eve, The group’s name is The Keffers, and Gary Keffer, his wife Lind, son, Paul, and daughter-in-law Jessica keep the ministry going while their daughter, Amy occasionally sings but writes songs for them and many other artists.

Others include the Gaither Vocal Band, Greater Vision, Karen Peck and New River. The GVB has seen many changes through the years but have been singing since 1980, that’s right, 40 years. Greater Vision began 30 years ago during this holiday season. Karen Peck began New River a year later in 1991.

We cannot forget the McKameys, 65 years of ministry on stages all over the country, they retired in 2019, and are still having charting success with their last album. Sue Dodge began her career in 1969, 51 years ago, she still has a powerhouse voice, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Ivan Parker began singing in 1982 some 38 years ago, Joseph Habedank began his career with the Perrys in 2003, a mere 17 years ago, but has amassed many awards, nominations and fans around the world.

Shortly after February of 1989, a raspy voiced Michael Combs came into the music ministry and despite many health-related setbacks, continues to sing. I could mention the Statemen, the Stamps and many others, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the longest running group in America. The Blackwood Brothers began in 1934, of course, they too have seen members come and go. Some tragically, others a transition to one place or another, but to be on the road for… 86 years, one will no doubt see a lot of changes.

So, some may feel like Southern Gospel is dead, or dying, I boldly say that because of the longevity of our founders and new comers we’re in good hands, and I think this music will be around for many more years to come, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

He Did It All for Me

2021-04-02T01:02:00.000-04:00

Tuesday night in a fitful sleep, I was awakened with the thought “He did it all for me”. I turned over again in an attempt to fall back into a peaceful rest. My mind kept reeling, I thought about this week, the Easter Sunday coming, but above the resurrection I couldn’t help but to think about the cross.

When is the last time you thought about the cross? Maybe you’ve heard it called Calvary. Just the name evokes a sense of horror yet in some strange way…gratefulness. Calvary was called the place of the skull. It was there that Jesus of Nazareth was led; battered, bruised, and bloody up the hill to be crucified. Mind you, He did it all for me.

On Wednesday morning, I began to process my mid-night thoughts and found a verse of scripture to tie the thought together.
Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2 is the verse that I settled on. In it, we find “the joy that was set before Him”, “endured the cross”, “despising the shame”. These three statements made no sense to me, so I began to search and pray for some meaning.

What was this Joy that was set before him? After a day of contemplation, I believe it was…me. You read that right. The joy that was set before Jesus Christ was not the cross but the result of the cross. If you are a believer, you can see this in your own life. If you are reading and are not a believer, permit me to beg your attention. Jesus Christ saw something in you that is redeemable. When He saw you, he found joy. So much so that he “endured the cross”.

This next statement seemed to make sense to me, endure is to follow to completion. So, Christ completed His work on the cross. This is illustrated when He said It Is Finished. This phrase, always said victoriously, is no doubt a shout of victorious completion. Again, this was done for… me! All of the shame and pain that He endured was to provide a way for all of us to avoid that penalty of death.

Next, we see the phrase “despising the shame”. On the surface I understood the word despising. I took it to mean he disliked the shame, but I was wrong. The word means that Jesus disregarded the shame. In other words, He thought the shame the He would endure, was a small price to pay…for me. He weighed the shame and His love for me, and His love far outweighed the depth of shame He would face.

So, I simply ask you today as you prepare for Easter Sunday, to reminisce on the Cross. After all, He did it all for… You! This is more than my Southern Gospel Point of View… It’s the Gospel.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Have you heard of these artists?

2021-03-29T09:34:00.002-04:00

As you read each week, you may notice that I love the mainstream artists of today, but what about those obscure artists? I love them too, sometimes even more. Today I want to introduce you to a few artists. Maybe you’ve heard of a few of them, some have been on the radio, some have not though. Let's dive right in.

First, I want you to get to know Gloryway Quartet. Four gentlemen from Ohio and West Virginia. They

were founded in 2002, since then they have not let the grass grow under foot. Each year they travel over 60,000 miles and have had nationwide success with many songs, with two hitting the Top 80 charts in Southern Gospel. They have been on nationally syndicated radio shows as well as on stages across America.

They have just released “Nobody”, a song that may sound familiar to CCM fans. Written by Mark Hall, Matthew West, and Bernie Herms, and originally released by Casting Crowns. I’ll be the first to admit I do not like or appreciate crossover songs from CCM to Southern Gospel. I’ve not liked a single instance of it, until now. Gloryway’s rendition of “Nobody”, outreaches the original recording both in musicality and vocal prowess. I’ve listened to it on repeat for weeks now. I highly recommend it.

Now, here’s one that you may have heard of. The Lore Family, one of SG’s rising stars. I met Darren Lore in 2017, after talking for 20 minutes we realized that we really should write some of this conversation down. We scheduled an interview later that week and got to meet family too. Since then, we’ve had multiple conversations and have stay in touch via text and social media. Their latest album “Hidden Blessings” is full of great songs like "Keep Praying", “Didn’t He Promise”, and “His Cross is Now Empty”, and “I’ve Got a Really Good Feeling”. Darren has a wonderful talent for writing and arranging, the family harmonies are sure to please your ear from the very first song.

I’ll not take the time to detail some other artists but I do leave their names for you to check out. The Chandlers, Dustin Lambert, The Phillips Family and Tammy Jones Robinette. Tammy has released a song that honestly drives me crazy It’s a great song, but I can swear to anyone that I’ve heard it before and not by her. She wrote it, recorded, and published it and I cannot find anyone else that has recorded it. The song is “I know that Man”. If you listen to it and figure it out, please email me.

There, you now have six new artists that you can search out and listen to some great music. They may not be household names, but by all accounts, they seem to be doing things right, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Southern Gospel in Podcast

2021-03-27T01:00:00.004-04:00

Most Southern Gospel Music listeners do not listen to podcasts. By and large they listen to their music via physical albums but are rapidly transitioning to streaming platforms. I myself have a few playlists on Pandora and Spotify but am often disappointed by the choice of music those platforms play. More often than not, because I say, “Play Southern Gospel Music”, the algorithm determines that I want to hear Alan Jackson sing The Old Rugged Cross, or Carrie Underwood sing How Great Thou Art.

Don’t let that discourage you however, Southern Gospel needs to move into the light of the 21st century. So, as you explore more music in the digital world, I invite you to also explore podcasts. Over the last several years I’ve search in my podcast player “Southern Gospel”, and have found a few, only a few choices. In 2017 there were two, both have abruptly stopped recording and/or updating content.

I began podcasting myself along with Reggie Taylor in 2017 and had marginal success, and because of our content, decided to stop. You see, we were playing music, essentially, we put our radio show on the podcast platform. Folks loved it, we had subscribers and great communication from those folks. The reason we stopped was of one word, Copyright. We found out that there was and still is so much gray area in copyright laws that we could be sued for playing copyrighted material. I say could, because we also heard, that we might be sued, would definitely be sued, and also, there’s no one that would sue you for playing their music.

Fast forward a few months and enter Darien Southerland and Jeff Steele. They began a podcast entitled “Southern Gospel News Podcast”; it was a hit! I mean the show was received better than anything I’ve ever seen in the digital world of Southern Gospel Music. Within a few months they have thousands of subscribers. After a while Jeff had to step away and Arthur Rice stopped into the role of Co-host. They’ve recorded 134 episodes with SGM’s biggest names from the stage, behind the singers, and in the recording studios.

Back in 2020 I started our podcast again, you can search Southern Gospel Point of View, and you’ll find us, we’ve only produced 7 episodes but have many more in the works. I no longer play music on our show, we do however get to talk to some the genre’s biggest stars as well as the upcoming artists. In each of our shows we share the hearts of those we are speaking with, we do our best to think as a listeners and fan, not just an interviewer. So, there will be questions asked and answered that seem too personal but will be absolutely enjoyed.

Now if you were to search Southern Gospel in your podcast app you will find quite a few irrelevant shows, but the first seven will be the ones to look into, but there are on three of those that have up-to-date content. Do yourself a favor, break out of the album only prison and step into the waters of podcasting. Visit Darien and Arthurs SGNP, and my
SoGoPoV, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you’ve been missing, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

The Sound, Tim Menzies, and Shame on me!

2021-03-26T01:01:00.014-04:00

There are several newcomers to Southern Gospel Music. For this writer, that is a good and a not-so-good thing. Some of those newcomers bring a different sound and a different look to the stages across the country. However, I must be objective and honest in my reviews. So, I’ll put off my old-fashioned ears for a moment and give you my honest opinions, and they might surprise you!

Up first is indeed a newcomer to Southern Gospel music. By their look and sound you could easily assume that they are a new CCM artist. To be truthful, they could easily make a name for themselves in that genre, but they have made an impact in SGM, a big impact. I’m speaking of “The Sound”, a father and sons’ trio.

The group was formed in 2017 and have been nominated for a Dove award and have been featured in Singing News Magazine. In their latest radio single, they tell an all too familiar story of redemption to the one who has fallen time after time. This time though, he is welcomed in the “First Church of Mercy” and urged to take a seat on the front row of grace.

The soul injured man is told that he doesn’t have to be perfect, we are all broken, bruised and scarred until Jesus took us in to His family. One of the most compelling lyrics is found in the tag of the song, it states “We’re not here to judge you, you can find that anywhere, but we’re called to love you.” If I can, I say WOW! In my opening statements I honestly said how different this group is, and this song has placed me in that oft required seat of shame.

Tim Menzies has been on my radar for a while now. In fact, I interviewed him on my podcast and learned his heart and about his ministry. You can find that interview RIGHT HERE.

Tim’s latest album, “His Name is Jesus” is jam-packed with “old-country” style gospel music. The third track on the album is “Don’t Wait”, a timely message for the sentimental and sinner. With a voice that pulls at the heart strings, his self-written words beg us “If you haven’t trusted Jesus, don’t wait”. In this one song, we hear a message of urgency to make things right with our family, and God.

As I listen to and write about the greatest music on earth, I have to listen with a humility that often puts me in my place. That’s where I am today, thankful that anyone, at anyplace regardless of their look or my opinion can share a message about Jesus, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Choose Happy!

2021-03-25T01:09:00.000-04:00

When I review an album, it is usually one that has just hit the market or in pre-release, today I make an exception. I met Tim Lovelace in 2017 at the National Quartet Convention (NQC) and have been impressed and blessed by him ever since. Also, a quick note, a pet peeve of mine actually. It is Tim Love LACE, not Tim LoveLESS.

In 2017, Tim released his album “Living in a Coffee World” and it is chock full of happiness. Songs such as “What Happened to Tomatoes?”, “Living in a Coffee World” and “Mercurochrome” fill the album with laughter and puts us in touch with our childhood and reality. Still the album touches a nerve of relativity with “Black Belt to Black Eye” while still delivering a few laughs.

A few weeks ago, a young boy in my church sent me a message that Tim Lovelace would be at First Baptist Church in Butler, GA. Without hesitation, I jumped at the opportunity to drive the hour to see him in Butler. Now, this young man is a Southern Gospel fan, I mean he is a F-A-N-A-T-I-C. So, in the week and a half between finding out about the convert and the day of, he downloaded all the Tim Lovelace music he could find and watched as many YouTube videos as possible of his comedy, and songs.

So, on Sunday morning after church, we began talking and he knew more about Tim and his music than I did. I’m telling you; this boy is a Fan! As the day went on, wet and rainy, cold and foggy, I almost didn’t go. Thankfully my little girl wanted to go and she talked me into it. We began our journey and I too played her some videos and she was hooked.

By the first song on stage, my daughter and her friends were not only laughing but found themselves enthralled with the words coming from Tim. The night had tears, laughter, and contemplation. He closed the night with his testimony and the song “Composer of My Life”. I must say, if for no other song on the album, you must hear this song. Beautifully written and arranged, it is an amazing picture of God at work in our lives through to the finished product.

One other song on the album and the title of this article is “Choose Happy”, I wake up each morning, and make choices. Some are easier than other, but each day, I choose to be happy. You have a choice too, don’t make the wrong decision, Choose Happy, and that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Sometimes I Remember

2021-03-24T01:02:00.003-04:00

If you know me personally, you will already know, I am so forgetful. Since COVID-19 things have gotten worse. So in an exercise to outrun the COVID induced “Brain Fog”, I find myself forcing myself to remember things from years ago. It’s true, I can rarely remember yesterday, but there’s something special about those bygone years that draws my mind to them.

If you remember, I started listening to Southern Gospel music when I was a pre-teen, around 10 years of age. Some of the first groups were, The McKameys, The Kingdom Heirs, Gold City, The Kingsmen, The Florida Boys, and an unheard of group called the Regals. So, because of the imprint those years made on me, my mind spends countless hours remembering the groups and music of those days.

How many remember the first song you heard that made an impact on you? I suppose one of the first was “Miracle in Me” by the Greenes. If you have any Holy Ghost fire in your bones, it is bound to show during that one. Then “it’s Still the Blood” by the Inspirations, the message of the Old Accuser being told the truth once again about my sin being covered with the Blood of Christ, is one that I simply cannot get over.

Oh! Do you remember “Oh, What a Savior”? Ernie Haas sings with the Cathedrals this 1948 Marvin Dalton hymn in such a way that Ernie himself cannot duplicate in EHSS. Don’t get me started on “Walking Back Down” by the Chandlers. My heart simply cannot recall the times that this song has burst into my heart and out of my mouth. Here’s a few lyrics, “I’ve spent a lot of time at Calvary, kneeling before the Lamb, His blood makes everything whiter than snow, when I come just as I am”. Can I just write a hearty AMEN? AMEN!

Let’s go back to the early 1990’s, Charles Johnson and the Revivers, “Until Then”, “I Can’t Even Walk”, and “My God is Real”. Go ahead, let yourself get filled with the flood of emotion and spirit that Charles sings with. “Until then, I’ll lift the name of Jesus, Until I’ll lead the lost Sheep to the fold…”. I nearly ready to rapture out of this world. Praise the Name of Jesus.

You see, I remember many of those “old” songs, and “old” artists, because they are memorable. They weren’t just songs to make your feet tap to the beat, those songs had meaning and a message. Today, artists, musicians, and writers occasionally miss the mark on that. They are caught away with popularity and the wind of relevancy, but I’ll keep on remembering those songs from my past.

If you’re having one of those hard days, take a few moments to remember those “good ole days” and you’ll find the encouragement you need, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

An afternoon with the Wisecarvers

2021-03-23T08:20:00.000-04:00

Just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit with a relatively new group called The Wisecarvers. We first met a few years ago and have kept in contact. Their music, though sometimes unorthodox, has had an effect on me and my children. With a revisited “Heaven’s Jubilee” to “Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me” to “Go Down Again”, their style of writing and arrangement is impressive.

Now, I want to introduce you to the group, Vince and Tammy Wisecarver are the parents to Dustin and Chase. Kaila married into the family as Dustin’s better half. As you look at their bio’s, you will see a theme, each one of them are songwriters. Admittedly, they have different styles but love to work together too.

Currently, the favorite song of mine is “Go Down Again”. Yes, this is the second time I’ve mentioned it, but that’s for a reason. Folks, you really need to hear this song. Introduced with a simple piano tune, Kaila brings the lyrics to life as she sings about the Old Testaments Naaman. Have you ever felt that you’ve tried so many times and still there’s no end of your pain in sight? This song exhorts us to press on and try once again.

“Somebody Here”, is yet another call to action for the believer. Chase, Dustin, and Kaila share the vocal responsibilities, and the message is a familiar call for somebody to grab that hand reached out to them. Another song, one that will catch you off guard is “Manufactured Smiles”, the idea is that we all have a hidden part, closed off to others, but “Jesus knows the hearts of man”. Our faces “can’t hide our every scar”, is just one heart clenching lyric, but, if you move beyond title, the message is clear.

In our conversation, we were able to discuss the effect on Covid-19 on their ministry, their family and what is next for the family. We also uncover some little-known facts about the group. With little ones in the family, we get to talk about Chase and Kasie’s family as well as Dustin and Kaila’s little ones.

So, I offer you two things. First, go out and get their music, there are three albums available, “Journey”, “Armor”, and “Silhouette”. Second, listen to our conversation on our podcast.

Well, I’ve shared my story of the Wisecarvers and hope you can hear my heart in it. Now, it’s up to you to love them as much as I do, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

No New Thing

2021-03-22T12:15:00.001-04:00

“…there is no new thing under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 This verse has always puzzled me, how can someone say that there are no new things? Electricity, telephones, radio, and television all sound like new things. But, in fact, they are not. They are different avenues of communication or power.

Song writers, musicians, preachers, and singers are no exception to this rule. I’ve written two songs, I play the guitar, bass, and piano, I’ve been preaching for twenty-eight years, and I sing often. So, as a member of each of these groups, I can assure that in all of my “original thoughts”, they have all been thought of, spoken, sang, played, or preached before.

What does this have to do with Southern Gospel music? Simply put, this genre is trying desperately to re-invent itself with “new” shiny, flashy, relevant product design, lyrical hooks, musical loops and all the while, it’s been done before.

I am an eighty year old man trapped in a forty-one year old body. I love old people, old things, and the old ways. Modern music doesn’t move me, modern church gymnastics do nothing for me, and modern bible translations irritate me. Proverbs 22:28 declares “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” From this I have to hold to the right in everything I can. I have failed in the past and in the last two years I’ve been reintroduced to the “Old Time Way”, and might I say, I love it.

In the SG genre, it is quickly becoming more contemporary or at best progressive. Songs written and performed by CCM artists are now recorded by SG artists but put a more country spin on it. Southern Gospel artists now or called Christian artists, they have secular music hooks as their introduction’s to songs or in their bridges. The sound has changed, from the old standard of guitar, piano, and light drums, now there are all types of stringed instruments, heavy drums, and other influences that change the style of music that it was intended to be.

Try as they may, no genre of music will come up with anything that hasn’t already been heard. No writer will pen a lyric that hasn’t already been thought of or spoken. But with all that is within me, I beg or you, as a listener, or artist, find those old paths, those ancient landmarks and walk in those. The message of Christ must be told, and the old way of doing so is still the best way to do it, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

'Tis the Season

2020-12-14T13:19:00.008-05:00

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

You read that title correctly. Thanksgiving is now past and the calendar has changed to December. The radio have started a full transition from Southern Gospel to mostly Christmas music. Country stations will begin to pepper in Christmas music. Shoppers have spent the last several days forging through crowds clad with masks and bandanas to protect them from COVID-19.

The songs that are filling our radio waves and the muzak systems in all of the stores are filled with hope, love, care, cheer and at times a little mischief. Think about it, “Silver Bells”, “Christmas in Dixie”, “Christmas Shoes”, O Little Town of Bethlehem”, Silent Night” and “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer” are all filled with hope and cheer. Well, maybe not that last one.

There are religious songs, secular, and funny Christmas songs that we all enjoy. My Favorite Christmas song is probably “O’ Holy Night”, on the secular side though, my favorite is probably “Blue Christmas” or “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. After all, who doesn’t love Nat King Coles voice?

Some of your favorite artists love and listen to Christmas music all year long. Mark Trammell, and Jon Epley are two of them. I sing or whistle Christmas tune all year long, so when the season finally comes along, I’m immersed in the music.

One of the greatest Christmas songs, and without a doubt The Greatest of our generation is Mark Lowry’s “Mary Did You Know?”. Those words recorded in Luke chapter 2 have always made me curious. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Can you imagine through the nine months that she carried Jesus Christ in her womb what she must have thought? Further, can you imagine what she must have felt or thought when Christ was born and realized this child was the very seed of God.

This will be a hard time for so many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but take heart! Christ is still the source and reason for this season. He far outweighs the tinsel and lights, and the gifts and treats. His name is more important than Saint Nicholas, so once again, Take heart dear friend, “Tis the season, to rejoice, to care, to love, to laugh, to embrace and to share, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

It’s all about “Hymn”

2020-12-07T08:26:00.007-05:00

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

In the last five years or so, there has been in the Southern Gospel community a push towards hymns. If you know me, you know that I love hymns. Our church sings out of the “Red Back Church Hymnal” and will continue to do so. However, I’m not a fan of hymn only albums. I’ll explain that in detail very soon.

I am currently listening to Greater Vision’s recording entitled “Songs of the 1900s”, and surprisingly, I like it… a lot. As I mentioned before, I love hymns, but it’s the placement and/or arrangement that often leads to my disliking a recorded version. Too often a hymn seems placed in an album as filler. There’s no real connection to the song with the artist. The hymn is often re-arranged to fit an artist’s style, and it is, for me, off putting.

Now, I know that the reason for the push for hymn singings is to educate a younger audience of the songs, but also, to retain the history and legacy of these prized songs. I use the word prized for a reason, these songs, for instance like, “There is a Fountain” are not being written anymore. While there are amazing writers for today’s music, the language and word pairing of that day are not being used today.

If you want to excite me in church, sing one of these hymns with a heart filled with joy to a God in Heaven that is longing to hear our voice. Did you notice I said in church? That is where I typically enjoy hymns the most, I have on occasion been in a concert and a hymn is sang and have thoroughly enjoyed it. One such case was years ago in Pigeon Forge, TN at Dollywood. The Kingdom heirs were singing and stopped to sing “Love Lifted Me”. They sang acapella, and before long the whole audience became a “congregation” as they sang along. I could feel the Spirit of God moving in that auditorium in a way that I hadn’t felt even with the best music, voices, and songs. With that, I admit that singing hymns outside of church may have a place. I’m just not prepared to fully jump on the “Hymn album” wagon.

Let me revisit Greater Visions album. This is not their only hymn album and won’t be their last. This one is special as it’s only vocal and piano. They have mastered the original music and vocals intended on these hymns from the 1900's. They were also joined by Gene McDonald to sing bass. A very welcomed addition to the album.

Hymns are an important part of Southern Gospel history and they need to be highlighted and preserved. Just do me a favor, sing them the way they were written, enjoy the original arrangement and sing them to the Lord, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

If There Were No Song.

2020-12-04T08:25:00.001-05:00

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

I start each morning at 6:30 am. I get ready to meet the world and fix my first cup of coffee (Cafe Campesino’s Ethiopia Sidama Roast, in case you were wondering). But each morning, I hear it... I hear a song. In fact, I hear many songs from my back door to my downstairs office. The birds are the most noticeable with their chirps, whistles, and calls. But as I listen in those few moments, I can hear the squirrels chittering to one another, the neighbors dogs barking, and if I wait outside long enough I hear the alligator in Murphy Mill Lake bellowing.

Once I enter my office I usually start the music playing and enjoy a diverse group of songs before I go to my studies or about other business of my day. Inevitably though, music, or rather, songs make up a large part of my day. Whether it’s my wife or myself playing the piano and singing, or more music in the office, music is a daily staple.

Now that you understand how my day starts, I wonder about yours. How would it be if you awoke tomorrow and there were no birds singing, the squirrels were silent and the barking dogs were eerily mute?

The very nature that you and I enjoy each day, the cool breeze and gentle rain are all individual songs, some are so slight that we can’t hear. Some may have their own force but the frequency is such that our ears can not discern. Each morning at dawn, the song of the birds “awaken the pores of plants and earth to aid in growth” in what is called the “Sonic Bloom”. Wow! I want to say that again, Sonic Bloom. Our Creator has blessed us with a new song each day that brightens our day. Sure we encounter life along the way and that songs fades in the distance but what would our day be without a song?

That wife that snores or the little child that scratches her eczema too loudly, or the husband that fixes his coffee and makes too much noise in the kitchen might be a song that God has given you to start you day. Embrace it, thank God for it, sing along. How dark would this world be without our favorite song! From that old country song that transports you to a bygone day or the latest release from your favorite Southern Gospel artist, a song is a gift from God.

Some of my readers may have had to say goodbye to that loud “sleeper”, or the early coffee drinker, so to you I say, remember the melodies of those days. Take a moment to hear what God has strategically placed around you to offer that “Sonic Bloom” to start your day.

Embrace your song, sing it loud, you never who needs to hear it, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

The Pandemic and Southern Gospel

2020-08-31T18:50:00.002-04:00

The Pandemic and Southern Gospel

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

I’ve held off on writing about the effects of the pandemic on Southern Gospel for a while now. I suppose I was hoping against hope that things would level off and our favorite groups and friends could get back out there.

In recent days and weeks, I have heard and read about the effects of COVID-19 on the Southern Gospel industry. To a small minority, the effects have been seen in small attendance to their concerts, possibly because of fear, but generally because of restrictions of crowd sizes. Some have had weekly cancellations and unfortunately, some of those have been for dates far in the distance.

For many of the gospel artists that we see on Daystar, TBN, NQC, and in the Singing News Magazine, their income is made on the road, promoting themselves or their groups, selling albums, booking events, and moving product from their tables. They don’t work a secular job, so there is no steady paycheck. There have been special events held during this quarantine that have served to help these folks, but they are so few and far between that these artists cannot support themselves.

Some groups are considered part-time in that they work throughout the week and travel and sing on the weekend. Those groups are hanging in and they’ve begun working full time until their events can be scheduled again. But those that are full time, have had to find work, do odd jobs, show off their skills in other ways, some are doing voice or piano lessons, some are teaching others to read shape notes, some are working as voice over actors.

Then we come to a tragedy for others, when things are so dire that they have to leave a group in search of financial stability. Just this week, two vocal giants left a top billed group. While there are other more public reasons for leaving, there is no doubt that, their families could no longer survive on the hope that churches and venues would soon open again.

How can you help? Buy…their…product! Each week I get digital and physical albums from studios for airplay. But I find myself guarding them closely and purchasing more music than I receive. On more than one occasion I have heard of a new song and the buzz that it is creating, so I purchase the album online, just to go to the mailbox in a day or so and find that same album there. Do I give it away? No! I suppose I could, but the group deserves that I implore others to purchase the music.

I have no idea what the math is on the sale of an on-line album, but I know this, everything counts. We love these folks, we love their songs and sound, so in the midst of this pandemic, let us support them with everything we’ve got, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Seek “The Old Paths”

2020-07-11T07:47:00.003-04:00

I first met the Old Paths in 2019 shortly after moving to Americus, GA. A local church, Salem United Methodist had them and I was invited to hear this “Up and Coming” group. I was hesitant at first, but once they got to their second song, I was hooked. At that time Doug Roark was having heart surgery and was replaced (temporarily) by Jeremy Chupp in his absence.

In the winter this year I got to visit Salem UMC again to hear them in all their glory. Doug was back, Tim Rackley, Daniel Ashmore, and Steve Ladd were in full force, and I couldn’t have been happier. I recently downloaded the rest of that album, eight songs that will carry you from Americus to Cordele, about a half-hour. If that doesn’t compute, it will allow you to work out or go for a thirty-minute walk, and you will not be disappointed.

Track one was a surprise, not sure it’s a pleasant one yet, it is the song “This Is Amazing Grace”, a cover of Phil Wickham’s 2013 hit on CCM charts. That’s no bearing on the group or the album, I’m just picky about SG music, and am not a fan of crossover songs. In spite of my feelings though, they did a great arrangement on is, even added some vocal effects that you are sure to enjoy.

Second is their single “I Got the Grace, He Gets the Glory” which, is in my opinion is a powerhouse song for the current social predicament. Next up is “Look at All I Lost”, a testimony of the transaction that takes place when we come to Christ for salvation, He takes all of the sin and shame, and trades them for His Joy, Grace, and a new song.

“Bread” is a driving song with Steve Ladd leading about the five loaves of bread that fed the thousands. God can no doubt use the little that we have to do much! “Pray While You Wait” has the lead vocal held down by Daniel Ashmore. The music though is interesting, there’s a bit of a “haunting” characteristic about it, though it feels the opposite, this may be one of those “You have to hear it” songs so you can understand.

We come to “How Great is Our God”, another Contemporary song, but honestly, what’s not to love. Its played by Daniel on the saxophone, and if You’ve ever seen it in person you’d understand, that dude can blow! He also does a tribute to “How Great Thou Art” in the arrangement.

There are two other songs that I can’t review, simply because of space. I’ve stated this before, but you owe it to yourself to purchase this album and allow yourself the opportunity to experience the Spirit of God that is on this recording, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Check out and subscribe to our podcast at www.anchor.fm/sogopov

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

Sounding their best

2020-06-24T17:21:00.003-04:00

Legacy Five is in their 21^st year, and in my opinion, they are at the top of their game. Scott Fowler has placed voices together that is an incredible mix. Matt Fouch holds the honorable place of bass. Lee Black rises to the occasion in the tenor position. Brian Walker is in the baritone position and doing an amazing job. Scott Fowler is the groups lead singer. Josh Townsend shares a few vocals from time to time but is their amazingly talented pianist.

Now that you know the group, let me say that this is best that Legacy Five has sounded in years. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve never sounded bad, but with this vocal collection, their harmonies are tighter, their highs, and lows are right where they need to be, and the baritone rounds out the harmony in a way I’ve not heard in years.

L5’s latest album entitled “Pure Love” begins and ends with a bang. “What a Day” starts with a contemporary beat, an almost whispered voice in the verse but takes full effect in the chorus and you immediately hear that harmony that I told you about. I’m listening now, and after the second chorus, their voices make me feel the words.

“What Kind of Man” has garnered much attention for the group and Southern Gospel. Brian Walker begins with the proclamation that he is Barabbas and paints a vocal picture of a questioning man as he looks at Christ. Scott Fowler is up next as Thomas, recalling his own struggle with doubt, but is faced with the scars in the hands and side of Christ. Lee Black makes his presence as Peter and details his denial of Christ and wonders how Christ could still care. After the men reprise their roles, Matt Fouch appears as all three in one. The message is, “What Kind of Man would rescue the sinner and offer amazing grace at Calvary?”

The album’s namesake in “Love Pure Love” and opens up with a welcomed jam session of guitar riffs and a bit of drums, but the story begins to take shape as the sinner woman breaks the high valued box and anointed Jesus, but His response was not critical but Pure Love.

“I Believe the Book” is a favorite of mine, partly because of Brian Walker's smooth vocals, but the message is on point for those of us that truly believe “God’s Wonderful Book Divine”. There are seven songs that I’ve not been able to cover in this article however they are sure to uplift you and will undoubtedly speak truth into your life.

I’ve been clear that this is the best L5 has sounded in years, I make no apology in saying that. Folks you owe it to yourself to hear this album, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

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The Songs of Master’s Voice

2020-06-18T17:31:00.002-04:00

This week’s artist is likely new to you. I’ve been around Gospel music for a few decades now and in the “industry” for over two years now and have only recently become acquainted with them. In early 2019 I was sent their album “Vintage”, then in December 2019 I received their latest album, “Solace”. It is this album that I intend on reviewing for your benefit and I hope to introduce you to this rising group.

Released in January of this year and available on cd and in digital form, I highly recommend it. Normally I reserve that suggestion for the end of the review, but let’s be honest, even if I have a negative review of someone or an album, I still hope that you will listen and form your own opinion.

The group began in 1995, and have only released five albums, one of which was a Christmas album. Although only a few albums are under their belt, this latest release has everything you could ask for. It is surprisingly packed with 12 songs and over 45 minutes of listening pleasure. The album begins with a mid-tempo song, “Let Us Not Grow Weary”, it is plain and simple an encouraging song straight from Galatians 6:9. “He’s coming Back” is again torn from scripture. It has a musical vibe that reminds me of the disco era, but it’s not off-putting in any way.

My favorite title is “Things Only God Can Do”. Opening with the prayer that many of us prayed as a child, “Now I lay me down to sleep”, the song outlines some of those simple things and moments in our life that are actually profound. The fourth track is “Thinking Outside the Grave’, is begins with a dark overtone, but once the lyrics start to unravel you’ll soon realize that “Life doesn’t end with a box in the ground”, and as believers we can think beyond the grave.

Their latest radio single is “Peace Like a River” has an island themed intro, followed by wonderfully delivered lyrics by Tenor/Owner Ricky Capps. You’re bound to feel a little lighter after hearing this, so be sure to request it on Radio or even on Southern Gospel Point of View. There are seven more songs on this album, and each one is worth your time. I’d love to hear your thoughts about the album, but especially track 11 “Last of the Last Days”.

Do me a favor, go to my website and request any of their songs, you can also call in your request at 865-315-7996. When you call, leave a voicemail about any of the groups, reviews, or songs that you’ve enjoyed through this article.

I have to encourage you one last time to get to know Master’s Voice. They are everything you can look for in a quartet, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Faithful Still...Down East Boys

2020-05-11T10:29:00.003-04:00

You may not have heard of the Down East Boys, but it’s my honor to tell you about and possibly introduce this storied group to you. My experience goes back nearly 30 years to 1992, someone gave me a cassette tape with various artists and the Down East Boys sang a song called “The Singing News Song”. A comical song about the Singing News magazine. A year or two later I was able to see them in person at a church in my hometown of Palatka, Florida. It was there that I bought my first Down East Boys album entitled, Newborn.

Fast forward 26 years, the Down East Boys are now in their 37^th year, and going strong according to the Southern Gospel industry, proven by awards for group of the year, multiple Top 40 songs, and 3 #1 songs. Their last album “Faithful Still” will hit the streets on May 15, 2020, and it is one that you’ll want to add to your collection. This album with eleven songs is both memorable and uplifting.

Opening the album is “Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace”. A mid-tempo, modern sound that proclaims that the grace of God is in every part of our lives, whether in the valley, a trial, on a mountain or a new day. “What Love” is next and gives an audible picture of what we once were without Christ but crying out “what Love could love me”.

“John Saw and Wrote About” is a traditional quartet song that’s a pleasant listen. The music is subdued, and the lyric is clear, it reminds me of quartet music from the 90s without all of the orchestrations and synthesizing. A fun, upbeat song on the list is led by the bass singer Zac Barham. With your faith and God’s victory, those walls in your life will “Fall like Jericho”.

A haunting tune is up next in “I Hear”, pleasing to the ear and gripping to the heart as we are transported back to ancient times in the last days and hours of Christ. Just as hopelessness sets in, the tune brightens, and the lyrics proclaim that the shackles of death haven been broken, and the Savior has risen. A choir backs up these golden voices to declare we are redeemed.

Much could be said about the remaining tracks on the album, but I’ll leave that to the imagination. “Those Hands” led by Ricky Carden, “God Will, Yes He Will”, “Bottom of the Basket”, “A Story that Began at the Cross”, and “Sweet Journey” round this album out as one of the best albums released in Southern Gospel this year, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Mylon Hayes Family

2020-04-29T09:56:00.002-04:00

It’s a Family Thing

Family is an important element of Southern Gospel Music. Think back through the

years, and you’ll remember that some of the most successful and the most loved groups are indeed family groups. One comes to mind, a recently retired group that you no doubt have heard of… The McKameys. Their harmonies were tight, and their songs were anointed. Do you remember the Speer Family, the Singing Cookes? Recently the Collingsworth Family, and the Jordan Family Band have made a name for themselves.

Now that our thinking is towards family groups, I want to introduce you to or at least remind you of The Mylon Hayes Family. This an extension of the Hayes Family in which Mylon sang for 40 years. Mylon Hayes is continuing in the gospel heritage with his bride, Wendy, their twin boys, Conner and Bailey, and their daughter Kennedy.

I recently got a message from Pastor Byron Chesney, he asked me to check the Mylon Hayes Family out. He said, “I’ve recently started listening to them, my favorite is Resurrection Power.” When I receive a request, I take it seriously, so for two weeks I’ve listened to their music and I must echo Pastor Chesney, “man, they have some great stuff.”

Their last album goes back to 2018, with fourteen songs, it is a great find in an era of six or seven tracks per album. It begins with, “We Come in the Name of Jesus”, lifting the name of Christ in song, this is a terrific song that will get your toes tapping but make you think about that name that is above every name… Jesus.

Though released two years ago, “God Can Still Turn it Around” is a near prophetic song for the current health crisis in America and around the world. Wendy sings powerful lyrics like, “You wonder how it ever got this far, never dreamed your world would fall apart…”, have hope dear reader, God is still in control.

Madison leads the very next song on the album, “God is Always Faithful”, is a pleasant reminder that “God will do what He promised”.

With styles ranging from Camp meeting, Hymns, traditional Southern Gospel to a grammatically incorrect song “Ain’t It Good”. I’m a new listener to the Mylon Hayes Family, however, with only one album in my library, I’m ready for more. I’m certain if you take a moment or two, you too would be hooked, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Social Media Giant among Southern Gospel Artists

2020-04-02T10:43:00.003-04:00

From a smalltown in North Georgia, the Ball Brothers from Chickamauga, Georgia are a favorite among young and older listeners. These brothers, In-Laws, and friends are a social media giant. With followers from all over the world and in small towns across America.

I first heard the Ball Brothers in late 2014, when I heard “Someday”, a song that took me back to an era of music dominated by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. I met them in 2017 at the National Quartet Convention and was very impressed by their live sound and performance, but also their following. Young and old seem to love the sound, as their 2016 album states, they sing “music that spans the generations”.

Just a few weeks I was able to talk to Daniel Ball. The group visited our little a few weeks ago, he says “We would love to do some exploring in the area”. As I stated earlier, their last album was nearly four years ago, so the next question had to be, when will we hear more from the Ball Brothers. Daniel said, “We are currently working on a project of cover songs with a Ball Brothers twist”. It is slated to be available in late summer.

Speaking of “covers”, in case that is a new term for you. It is when an Artist re-records a previously released song by another artist. Generally, they infuse the original with their own personality and style, many times producing a better listening experience than the original. A few that you can see on YouTube are Jordan Feliz’s, “The River”, and Zach Williams’, “Old Church Choir”.

Outside of the brief interaction with them back in 2017, and the Facebook encounter with Daniel, I've not had an opportunity to really get to know them as artists, or individuals. After checking their website and other articles or blogs about them I have found that they are just like me. I know, I know, not one of them is red-headed, or overweight, but they are husbands, fathers, and men. Men that are doing their best to live for God, support their families, share the Gospel, and bring smiles to faces across the world. Isn't that we all should be doing? In a word the answer is... YES!

While the world is on lockdown because of COVID-19, do me a favor. Purchase their music, watch their online videos, interact with them on social media, and as soon as they are able to book again Go out and see them. There is a void in the world right now, at least the Southern Gospel Music World because of the lack of brick and mortar meeting places for concerts. I mentioned this above, but I'll reiterate it here. The Ball Brothers are social media giants. They have over 22,000 subscribers on YouTube, and over 2,000,000 views. Their YouTube channel began in 2007, and since that time, other SG artists have taken their lead and jumped headlong into the YouTube and Socal Media pool. Matt Fouch, Mark Lowry, and Jordan Family Band are a few Artists that are making strides in the social media realm.

With that said, these artists are now performing in homes or on empty stages to provide a Live Concert feel. They are doing these Live Concerts for a reason, they don't want to give up, they want to make a difference, but if I can go to bat for them, these artists need to stay in communication with you and I. For many, concerts are their income, for some, it is their only income. So, as you watch these videos, andLive concerts, consider donating to their ministry. Suppor them during this time if you are able. Most of them will not ask for your financial support, but I encourage you to consider these as your friends and family. They need help too, they have bills too, and they have no income during this time of "Social Distancing".

I've digressed just a little, for good reason, but to get back to the purpose of this post. The Ball Brothers truly do sing “music that spans generations”, of the albums that are available to purchase you will undoubtedly find something that you enjoy, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

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The Inspirations are “Sounding Sweeter”

2020-03-19T10:25:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, when I received the new album from The Inspirations, I had mixed feelings. For over 30 years I have been an avid listener to Southern Gospel Music (SGM), and The Inspirations have been a staple in my library. I have been disappointed lately in their sound and song selection, so I began listening with high hopes and I must say, I’m impressed.

I am 40 years old, and in those years, I’ve found myself needing an escape from time to time, particularly that escape was in the lines and melodies of SGM dating back to the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. My library includes music by the Stamps, the Blackwoods, Masters V, Naomi and The Segos and many more, but two groups occupy the most space, The McKameys and The Inspirations.

Once I began listening to the Inspirations they were well into their 3rd decade of recording SGM. The first song I remember hearing was “When I wake Up” from 1973. I was around 10 years old at the time, and they were the best of the best. The high notes of Archie Watkins and the Lows of Mike Holcomb were the standard by which I judged every other group I heard.

Though there have been personnel and ownership changes, the sound I grew up with is back. In their new album “Ever Old, Ever New”, all of the men do a tremendous job, but Archie Watkins sounds his best in years. The new album is slated to release April 10, 2020, and will be available on CD, digital download and streaming platforms.

Eddie Dietz though has my favorite song “Knowing you’re there”. A song that allows us to picture a man in prayer, not asking for a thing and having no troubles, just communing with the Lord. “1945” transports us back to churches with wood slat pews, old-fashioned mourner benches, and leather-lunged preachers. Luke Vaught gets to show off on “I’ll Fly Away”, he plays all of the instruments on the track. As someone who loves bluegrass, he gets high marks on the banjo, dobro, fiddle, and mandolin.

If you love tradition quartet Southern Gospel, you will love this album with a refreshing sound and stirring lyrics, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Taking a trip with Endless Highway

2020-03-05T10:31:00.001-05:00

Just outside of Milan, Tennessee is… What’s that? You’ve never heard of Milan? What about Greenfield? No? Okay, about 30 miles north of Jackson Tennessee somewhere between Nashville and Memphis is Trenton, the home of the 31 miles per hour speed limit and Endless Highway.

Endless Highway is not some forsaken stretch of road in Tennessee. It’s the name of a Southern Gospel group with Jason & Vanessa Griggs and their children, Jay & Allison. When asked about the group name, Jason responded “This name connects our generations of ministry that will be endless until the return of the Lord as we go into the highways and hedges and compel the lost to come to Him. The basis for the name is found in Isaiah 35:8-10”

On March 20, 2020, the group will release their 3^rd album, “Countless”. It is available for pre-order now, but I’ll give you a sneak peek of a few of the songs. “Keep looking up” is first up with carefully placed lyrics that will encourage and uplift the listener to continue in the faith by encouraging them to Keep on keepin’ on. “Countless”, the title track allows the listener to think of God’s love for us. “All that remains to be seen”, a favorite on this album is an upbeat song about the changes that are not only needed but promised for the believer. I begin to stray a little on the next song, “26 Cents” is a fresh cut on the 1999 country song by the Wilkinsons. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the song, it’s neither spiritual nor scriptural, but a lot can be said about the sentimental subject of a mother’s love. “Somebody’s World Changed Today” will stir the heart with an emotional message that takes us to the home of a newborn baby and to the family saying their last goodbye. Another track is “Til They Came Home”, it gives us a poignant picture of the lives of families torn by service to our country.

There are only 6 songs on the album, but they are packed with lyrics that will fill your heart with remembrance and music that will have your toes tapping, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

What is Southern Gospel Music?

2020-02-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

What is Southern Gospel Music?

The origin of Southern Gospel Music can be traced back to 1910 and was typically
comprised of a piano, stringed instruments, and a quartet. It has been described by some as folk, mountain music, old-fashioned or sacred music. The music has changed in many ways, now with keyboards, drums, electric and acoustic guitars, and technology this style of music sounds just like any other modern genre. But, why is Southern Gospel Music so obscure in society?

Try searching iTunes or Google Play stores for Southern Gospel and you’ll likely be frustrated with results from Country Music Artists singing hymns or church choirs. If smart speakers are your forte, try saying “Alexa, Play Southern Gospel Music”, chances are you will get a few Southern Gospel artists, but no doubt you will get bluegrass gospel, and hymns sang by secular artists.

I used the word frustrated, there are other words that would describe my emotions as I try to train my phone or smart speaker to play Southern Gospel Music. I have had days when I have to skip nearly every other song. Not because I don't like the song, because it doesn't fit into the genre I requested.

Each week while reviewing new music, I’m disappointed to find that the reason for the obscurity of this genre falls directly on the artist, studio and record label. The music is rarely tagged with Southern Gospel as the genre. Generally, it is tagged as “Religious”, “Gospel”, “Christian”, “Inspirational”, or simply “Music”. I’ve even had a few that were tagged as “Metal”.

So, what is Southern Gospel Music (SGM)? Today there are at least six distinct “flavors” of SGM. Male quartets are four men singing individual parts such as The Kingdom Heirs, Master’s Voice, and Tribute Quartet. Mixed Quartets with the traditional four-part harmony but with at least one female voice such as the Perrys, Exodus, and Karen Peck and New River. There are Trios like Greater Vision and the Booth Brothers. Duos (not to be confused with a duet – a song performed by two people) like Jim and Melissa Brady. You have solo artists like Mark Lowry, Joseph Habedank, Ivan Parker and Michael Combs. The sixth group is usually a family or mixed groups like the Collingsworth Family or the Gaither Vocal Band, and usually have more than one person singing the same part.

Before I forget, the best way to find SGM on a digital platform is to start with an artist you know and begin to follow the suggestions for similar artists, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

The Next Generation of Southern Gospel

2020-02-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

Allow me to introduce the “3 Heath Brothers”, a trio that is on the verge of taking our nation by storm. In Southern Gospel, youth has been scarce over the last few decades, but these teenage brothers are doing their part in bringing this music to a younger generation. Nicholas, Clayton, and Christian Heath make up this trio from North Carolina. Nicholas is the oldest and has written one of my favorite tracks on this album, Clayton and Christian are identical twins and it shows.

In 2017, I began Southern Gospel Point of View, my first event was the National Quartet Convention. While there, I interviewed quite a few artists, but these three brothers left an impression. After the interview, I made several attempts to get a “liner” that I could play on my radio program, after about 6 attempts, I finally got something that I could work with. Their excitement and personalities were on overload and I loved it. We laughed to the point of tears as they forgot their lines and made failed attempts of improvisation. After that night I’ve kept up with them on social media and have been pleasantly surprised to see them rising in the ranks of Southern Gospel.

Last year they signed with Horizon Records and released a new album entitled “Who We Are”. Packed with eleven songs and a mixture of traditional southern gospel melodies to acapella, this album is something that you need to hear. A favorite song of my 10-year-old daughter is “Smell of Smoke”, as you may have guessed, it tells the story of the three Hebrew children in the furnace from Daniel Chapter 6. “Give it to Jesus” was written by Nicholas, with lyrics like “Bring every burden, bring every bruise, bring every problem you wish you could lose…”, hope is evident to the listener. “Shake in his shoes” brings the fight to the Devil. As Christians, we should live in the truth and plead the blood.

Combining genres and styles, this album is a must for any listener. The adult and young listener will no doubt enjoy the offerings from the 3 Heath Brothers, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

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