Fans flock to Lincolnton for Jeff & Sheri Easter’s Homecoming

James Easter joins Jeff and Sheri Easter on stage for a performance of “A Heart that Will Never Break Again.” (Photo by Randall Franks) “Jeff & Sheri Easter rock,” exclaimed Mallory Shires, age 8. Shires and her sister Alyssa along with other youth at the event actually joined Jeff & Sheri to sing “Sitting on

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Guy Penrod Honors George Beverly Shea

A Note From Guy Penrod… “Our world lost a wonderful hero in the person of George Beverly Shea, a real genuine example to us men as to how to walk with grace and integrity through this life. He was truly a hero of mine and a great role model. He will be dearly missed and I am sure that

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Red Roots American Bible Challenge Fan Favorite Contest

American Bible Challenge announces “Fan Favorite” contest: Red Roots playing for Home of Grace   HENDERSONVILLE, TN (April 18, 2013) - The American Bible Challenge, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on GSN, announced that the show will be awarding an additional $10,000 to the favorite charity of the team that receives the most votes as Fan Favorite. Red

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THE STEVENS FAMILY – Singing In Harmony Sharing A Heritage

The state of Ohio has certainly produced its share of great talent in the Southern Gospel Music genre over the years and The Stevens Family rank right up there in the top of the Ohio Talent Pool. Rich, Tami & their daughter Erin make up a smooth blend of family harmony set to some of

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Update On Tracy Stuffle

From Libbi: Updated on Tracy as of 1:50pm Tues: I just seen the neuro surgeon. The second bleed out in Tracy’s brain is filling up the fluid cavities in his brain. Basically this is like having a stopped up sink with the water still running. The blood left in there is gonna cause pressure on

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URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR TRACY STUFFLE

We have just learned that the Perrys bass singer Tracy Stuffle has been taken to the hospital with a possible stoke. Please keep Tracy and Libbi in your prayers.  We will update when we have more information.  

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STUMBLING ON OPEN GROUND REVEALS MUSIC INDUSTRY ICON’S FAITH IN THE FACE OF CANCER

STUMBLING ON OPEN GROUND REVEALS MUSIC INDUSTRY ICON’S FAITH IN THE FACE OF CANCER NASHVILLE, Tenn.— GRAMMY® Award-winning former Beatles executive and music industry icon Ken Mansfield chronicles a deeply personal journey of faith and struggle in his highly-anticipated fourth title, Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll (Thomas Nelson, January

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2012 Artists Music Guild Convention and Heritage Awards

(PHOTO – Left -AMG President David L Cook Presents AMG Heritage Award for Radio Station of the Year to Charles Brady of RadioActive Airplay.) The cameras are turned off and all of the crowds have dissipated, but the feel of the event is still in the air. The 2012 AMG Heritage Awards was filled with

AMG President David L Cook and Charles Brady of RadioActive AirplayAMG President David L Cook and Charles Brady of RadioActive Airplay

The Isaacs Top This Weeks Southern Gospel Top 40 Chart

This week we find The Isaacs at Number 1 on the Radio Music Week Southern Gospel Top 40 Chart. From the pens of Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs and Jimmy Yeary come their latest hit single “Waiting On The Water” which has to be one of the most beautiful songs we have heard this year.

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Marlene Pelt Tops American Gospel Top 40 Chart

This week we find Marlene Pelt topping the American Gospel Top 40 Chart with here latest radio single “I’m Gonna Run Into That City” that was penned by the artist as well. Marlene was born in Santa Paula, California and later moved to Arkansas. She grew up with her parent’s and three brothers in a

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Fans flock to Lincolnton for Jeff & Sheri Easter’s Homecoming

Fans flock to Lincolnton for Jeff & Sheri Easter’s Homecoming

James Easter joins Jeff and Sheri Easter on stage for a performance of “A Heart that Will Never Break Again.” (Photo by Randall Franks)

“Jeff & Sheri Easter rock,” exclaimed Mallory Shires, age 8. Shires and her sister Alyssa along with other youth at the event actually joined Jeff & Sheri to sing “Sitting on Top of the World.”

The Lewis Family Homeplace teamed with hundreds of fans each night for the Jeff & Sheri Easter Homecoming in Lincolnton, Ga.

Carl and Ruby Johnson of Augusta, Ga. attended all three days of the 5th annual Mother’s Day event. “It’s been awesome,” she said. “Jeff & Sheri are so great and I just loved Lynda Randle and Little Roy.”

Fans traveled from throughout the country to gather at the historic site honoring the legacy of America’s First Family of Bluegrass Gospel music.

“It was a wonderful celebration of the Creator of the universe in praise of our Savior who continues to love and watch over us,” said Carolyn White of Charlotte, NC.

Lynda Randle, Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long Show, Karen Peck & New River, Lewis Tradition and Jason Crabb joined Jeff & Sheri Easter as they raised several thousand dollars for the Lewis Family Homeplace Restoration Fund. “God brought some wonderful performers to share His message and His hope through their talents with all our friends who gathered at the homeplace,” said Jeff Easter.

In addition to the evening concerts Sheri hosted a women’s brunch featuring her personal devotion on peace on Saturday morning. “I think it gave me a better understanding of what peace is really all about even in the troubled times and how you don’t need to worry your life away,” said Lisa Lane of Brunswick, Ga.

On Saturday night, Jason Crabb brought tremendous excitement to the homeplace with his upbeat and Spirit-filled show. Fans of all ages lined up to spend a few minutes with him after his performance.

As an added bonus James Easter of the Easter Brothers preached a Sunday morning worship service for attendees featuring music by Jeff & Sheri, James and special musical guest Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode,” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”

Two of the newest additions to the homeplace are a 1948 GMC Silverside bus under restoration similar to the first Lewis Family bus and for the convenience of attendees – new bathrooms.

“This year’s event was in God’s hands as he kept the rain in the area from the event and as He sent so many of his saints to help us prepare and volunteer as we welcomed those who came to support what we are doing at the homeplace,” Sheri said. “Hundreds walked through the home seeing the rooms where the Lewis Family grew up, the exhibits on their career and their experience of living here in Lincolnton.”

According to Sheri, plans are already underway for next year’s event.

“We are growing and pray that every year as we gather here, folks will only find greater blessings by making this event part of their annual plans,” she said.

Broadcasters Alert!

THIS ARTIST HAS MUSIC AVAILABLE FOR RADIO!
RadioactiveAirplay is now MusicToRadio.Com and properly licensed stations and program directors and DJ's can still find great uplifting and life changing music for broadcast purposes.

About Jeff and Sheri Easter:

For Jeff and Sheri, gospel music is genetically programmed into their DNA. As members of acclaimed musical families—Jeff’s father is one of the Easter Brothers and Sheri’s mother is a member of The Lewis Family—they grew up surrounded by the sound of people praising God through their musical gifts.

In August of 1984, both were at the Albert E. Brumley Sundown to Sunup Gospel Singing in Arkansas. Jeff, who was playing bass for the Singing Americans at the time, took the opportunity to reintroduce himself to Sheri’s mother Polly; they had met on a previous occasion. Polly introduced Jeff to Sheri and the two were married ten months later.

They traveled and performed as part of The Lewis Family for several years. But in 1988 they decided it was time to strike out on their own, and they haven’t looked back since. Also joining Jeff & Sheri on the road is their son, Madison, who plays electric guitar for the group and their daughter, Morgan, who joins them with vocals to round out the kind of harmonies that only family can produce. The newest addition to the Easter family is Maura Grace, Jeff and Sheri’s ‘twentieth anniversary gift to each other’, who generally makes her way onstage doing anything to bring a smile.

Jeff & Sheri have been nominated for numerous Dove Awards and won six. They’ve also received two career Grammy nominations, and Sheri has been named the Singing News Favorite Alto eleven times and the Singing News Female Vocalist four times. In 2012 Sheri received Alto of the Year by the National Quartet Convention’s first annual awards. Jeff & Sheri’s wall of awards also include three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association, nine Voice Awards for Female Artist, five Voice Awards for Song/Single of the Year, two Voice Awards for Christian Country Group, four SGM Fan Fair/USGN awards, seven SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards, and three Cash Box awards. They have also participated in the Gaither Homecoming Video Series since 1993, which has sold over 15 million units.

Apart from their frequent appearances on the Gaither Homecoming tour and videos, Jeff & Sheri have a fairly heavy touring schedule of their own. “When we perform, we want people to leave a little different than when they came in,” Sheri explains. “We want them to have a great time smiling, laughing, crying and healing. We want them to know God loves them and that He is in control.”

 

 

Guy Penrod Honors George Beverly Shea

Guy Penrod Honors George Beverly Shea

A Note From Guy Penrod…

“Our world lost a wonderful hero in the person of George Beverly Shea, a real genuine example to us men as to how to walk with grace and integrity through this life. He was truly a hero of mine and a great role model. He will be dearly missed and I am sure that many of us wish“that we could pray him back, but why on earth would we do that when he’s somewhere life and love never ends.” Have a great time singing with the choir Bev. Join you someday—Guy.”

Broadcasters Alert!

THIS ARTIST HAS MUSIC AVAILABLE FOR RADIO!
RadioactiveAirplay is now MusicToRadio.Com and properly licensed stations and program directors and DJ's can still find great uplifting and life changing music for broadcast purposes.

Red Roots American Bible Challenge Fan Favorite Contest

Red Roots American Bible Challenge Fan Favorite Contest

American Bible Challenge announces “Fan Favorite” contest:
Red Roots playing for Home of Grace

 

HENDERSONVILLE, TN (April 18, 2013) - The American Bible Challenge, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on GSN, announced that the show will be awarding an additional $10,000 to the favorite charity of the team that receives the most votes as Fan Favorite. Red Hen recording artist, Red Roots, fresh off their recent appearance on the show, is competing for Home of Grace, a leading Christian, faith-based drug and alcohol recovery program for men and women in Gautier and Vancleave, Mississippi.
Red Roots is urging fans to log on to http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/fan-favorite/. Fans are allowed to vote once per day beginning immediately and lasting until midnight on Sunday, May 19. The team with the most votes will be revealed during The American Bible Challenge season finale on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 9/8 cst.
Red Hen Records is a division of Daywind Records.  Based in Hendersonville, TN, the label is also home to Christian artists Zach and Rodney and Michael Lee.  Red Hen is exclusively distributed by New Day Christian Distributors (www.newdaychristian.com).
THE STEVENS FAMILY – Singing In Harmony Sharing A Heritage

THE STEVENS FAMILY – Singing In Harmony Sharing A Heritage

The state of Ohio has certainly produced its share of great talent in the Southern Gospel Music genre over the years and The Stevens Family rank right up there in the top of the Ohio Talent Pool. Rich, Tami & their daughter Erin make up a smooth blend of family harmony set to some of the best songwriting and music production I’ve ever had the privilege to hear. Some of their songs have been recorded by other top artists such as Greater Vision, The Whisnants and The Inspirations.

To say that Rich Stevens is a great music producer and studio engineer is an understatement. They make some of the most incredible music! They are the perfect family group for any church looking to bring in talent that can really minister to a congregation and they do it with professionalism and a real heart for the church. This is a family that knows how to minister to people.

Three of their radio singles, Standing On The Promises, God’s Still Workin’, and Satisfied, have all reached the #1 position on The Radioactive Airplay Weekly Charts. The Stevens Family has had opportunities to share their ministry in nearly 3000 concerts in 34 states, Ontario and Quebec, Canada, as well as the West Indies and England. Each year they travel thousands of miles, crossing many denominational lines.

At RadioactiveAirplay’s new MusicToRadio.Com service they have already topped the charts with their latest release “Jesus I Can’t Thank You Enough” from their “Can’t Thank You Enough” album which is filled with wonderfully crafted songs that are certain to be enjoyed for years to come. I had the joy of getting an advance copy of the project and it quickly became a favorite that Rosie and I have enjoyed on the highway as well as in the home.

I have had the pleasure of meeting The Stevens Family personally and last year we shared a meal together as they were making their way back to Ohio from their winter tour of the great state of Florida. In fact at the time of my writing this article they are once again on tour in Florida and we hope to get the chance to meet with them again on their way back home. ( I have a couple of plaques I need to present to them.)

Last year the Stevens Family finished the year as the Number 1 Artist for 2012 and they also had the Number 1 Song of the Year (“Anybody Got Joy”) which was the most downloaded and streamed song in the RadioActiveAirplay system.

This is a family group that you will be hearing more and more from in the days ahead as they continue “Singing In Harmony……Sharing A Heritage.

DJ’s can find their music for broadcast purposes at http://musictoradio.com/Stevens_Family/

Fans can visit their website at http://www.stevensfamilymusic.com

Rich
Being raised a pastor’s son, Rich was greatly involved in music ministry at his home church from a very young age. Rich is a talented singer, keyboardist and bass player. He is also a gifted arranger and producer. Rich has owned and operated Rich Sound Recording Studio since 1989. In addition to producing recordings for his family, he has also worked with a variety of recording artists, as well as writing and producing jingles for radio and television. Rich is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.

Tami
Tami began formal studies in classical piano and voice at the age of six, and continued her training through college. She is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. Tami was the soloist for two years with Revivaltime, an international radio broadcast heard on over 600 stations weekly. Tami is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, flutist, and a gifted speaker.

Erin
Rich and Tami’s teenage daughter, Erin, is a vital part of this ministry team. There’s nothing quite like family harmony, and Erin’s strong voice blends with her parents to create that signature trio sound that is becoming a hallmark of their concerts. And when Erin steps forward on a solo, her confidence, passion for ministry and her love for Christ is apparent in every note! Erin truly completes The Stevens Family and is a favorite with listeners of all ages!

Update On Tracy Stuffle

Update On Tracy Stuffle

From Libbi:

Updated on Tracy as of 1:50pm Tues:
I just seen the neuro surgeon. The second bleed out in Tracy’s brain is filling up the fluid cavities in his brain. Basically this is like having a stopped up sink with the water still running. The blood left in there is gonna cause pressure on the brain. So the dr is fixin to put a drainage cath in his brain to let the fluids drain out of the fluid cavities. This will only take about 15 mins and is done bedside. Problems that could happen: once in the brain could cause another bleed. 2nd is infection setting up which could go straight to the brain. If this is not done, he will continue to get sleepier and sleepier until he falls into a coma. He’s almost been weaned off Meds to lower his blood pressure. He is stable on the blood pressure.

At 7pm eastern time 6 cst a mass of churches across the United States are gathering to have a prayer vigil on Tracy’s behalf. We would be so honored to have you join with them and my family. Thank you to everyone who has and is praying!!!!

If God Saw The Need Shouldn’t We?

Charles Brady - Editor - SoGospel.Com

Sometimes God has to shut us down… to slow us down…. to take a needed rest from our labors…

Maybe it’s because when I’m sick (as I am now) I have a clear mind because I’m focused more on prayer and getting well that these thoughts flood into my mind on the need for rest.

It’s no secret that the world and the economy we live in today seems to have everyone running 24/7 at breakneck speeds just to keep up the pace of our hurried and busy lives. Those in the ministry seem to have the biggest issue of all with the very notion of  God’s required “day of rest.”  Most of act like we are somehow exempt from the requirement! I mean really!

Who has time for rest?

YOU DO!

Especially when you’re sick!

One of the most difficult things for all those of us in ministry who love God and love serving God’s people is learning to take a day each week to rest. Since most all of us labor on the Sabbath for everyone else we must somehow learn to carve out for ourselves and our families a real genuine Sabbath Day of Rest. Rest is what the body uses to regenerate itself so that it can continue to operate at full efficiency. Jesus Himself demonstrated the need for rest during His ministry when He would pull Himself and His disciples away for a time of rest.

YOU CAN’T REFUEL YOURSELF PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY OR EMOTIONALLY WHILE CONSTANTLY RUNNING WIDE-OPEN!

Even a bus has to stop to re-fuel… even a Prevost! 

I know I may be preaching to the choir (hand raised in guilt) but I encourage and admonish each of you who are called by God to do a great work for the Lord to make for yourselves that designated day when you can sit back and breathe deep and share some of God’s Word together and contemplate on the good things of God and rest…… God created the Sabbath for YOU!

If God saw the need shouldn’t we?

Get Some Rest Folks! You’re Gonna Need It!

Charles Brady-Editor

 

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR TRACY STUFFLE

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR TRACY STUFFLE

We have just learned that the Perrys bass singer Tracy Stuffle has been taken to the hospital with a possible stoke. Please keep Tracy and Libbi in your prayers.  We will update when we have more information.

 

WPET’s Dave Compton Celebrates 35 Years

It was on this date, January the 11th, 1978, that radio personality Dave Compton began his broadcasting journey at WPET-AM in Greensboro, N.C, 35 years ago.

Dave commented on facebook ” I Still love what I do, and I thank God for this wonderful Journey I am on. Thanks to all of you, for faithfully listening to “The Old Southern Gospel Lighthouse.”

Those of us in the Carolinas are very familiar with Brother Dave and his warm heart and love for great Gospel Music. Congratulations Brother Dave Compton! Here’s to 35 more years of sharing the Gospel in song!!!

STUMBLING ON OPEN GROUND REVEALS MUSIC INDUSTRY ICON’S FAITH IN THE FACE OF CANCER

STUMBLING ON OPEN GROUND REVEALS MUSIC INDUSTRY ICON’S FAITH IN THE FACE OF CANCER

STUMBLING ON OPEN GROUND REVEALS MUSIC INDUSTRY ICON’S FAITH IN THE FACE OF CANCER

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— GRAMMY® Award-winning former Beatles executive and music industry icon Ken Mansfield chronicles a deeply personal journey of faith and struggle in his highly-anticipated fourth title, Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll (Thomas Nelson, January 15).

Revealing ongoing trials with two bouts of cancer, Mansfield’s memoir thoughtfully frames his spiritual struggle and physical pain in the light of ultimate healing and triumph. Sharing personal prayers and honest insight alongside remarkable moments from his storied music career, he confronts his failing body, a faith that both falters and soars, and the questions that aren’t supposed to be asked—but need to be answered.

Stumbling on Open Ground also features contributions from Mansfield’s wife of 25-years, Connie. Offering a candid glimpse into a marriage facing one of life’s greatest challenges, the couple trace the work of an extraordinary God who has transformed them both in the process.

“Dealing with cancer is not as linear as most books describe the ordeal,” Mansfield shares. “Going into it, going through it, and coming out of cancer is not that orderly. The battle is more of a hanging on, a falling apart, a sense of loss, and a lot of lonely flailing among the rubble.”

“This is a quest for deeper comprehension, a desire to dip beneath the opaque surface,” he adds. “As a child, I would ask my earthly father how to do things. As a child of God, I am asking my heavenly Father how this all works between Him and me.”

Ken Mansfield’s legendary career in the music industry includes tenures as the U.S. manager of the Beatles’ Apple Records, an executive at Capitol Records, a vice president at MGM Records, and president of Andy Williams’ Barnaby Records (CBS Records), among numerous influential roles. He has worked with such artists as the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Glen Campbell and Lou Rawls.

Instrumental in launching country music’s “Outlaw” movement in the 1970s, Mansfield was involved in the careers of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, among others. He produced Colter’s #1 hit “I’m Not Lisa,” as well as Jennings’ 1975 landmark recording, Are You Ready For The Country. He also produced the Gaither Vocal Band’s GRAMMY® Award-winning 1991 Homecoming album. The seminal release precipitated the resurgence of Southern Gospel music and the Gaither Homecoming series of recordings, videos and concerts.

Since devoting his life to Christ more than two decades ago, Mansfield is now an ordained minister and sought-after speaker. He appears at churches, special events and colleges across the nation and has authored The Beatles, The Bible and Bodega Bay (B&H); The White Book: The Beatles, the Bands, the Biz: An Insiders Look at an Era (Thomas Nelson); and Between Wyomings (Thomas Nelson).

Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll ($15.99), a 256-page trade paper title, will be available January 15 from Thomas Nelson.

2012 Artists Music Guild Convention and Heritage Awards

2012 Artists Music Guild Convention and Heritage Awards

(PHOTO – Left -AMG President David L Cook Presents AMG Heritage Award for Radio Station of the Year to Charles Brady of RadioActive Airplay.)

The cameras are turned off and all of the crowds have dissipated, but the feel of the event is still in the air. The 2012 AMG Heritage Awards was filled with star studded attendees and performances by the very best in the entertainment industry.

This year’s event was jump started by a three day conference in which artists from every imaginable genre came together to share and network. Elementary students were bussed in and given a day of mentoring by many of the Guild’s top artists. Executive President and recording star David L Cook said, “I was so thrilled that the Guild was able to launch our pilot public school mentoring program. The kids seemed to have enjoyed it, but not half as much as us.”

Heritage USA, (former home of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker) is the facility that the Guild calls home. Heritage is now owned and operated by Morningstar Ministries headed up by Rick Joyner. This is the second year that the Guild has been out on the property to present its program. Last year they filmed a documentary on the history of music in the United States. This year launched the new AMG Heritage Awards. Both events produced capacity crowds and brought together some of the most fantastic talent under one roof.

The AMG Heritage Awards started off with an opening number that took us right down memory lane. Several members of the Guild presented themselves onstage to sing the 1980’s mega hit “Africa” by Toto. As the song rang out and sung by multiple voices, they were joined onstage by the Oneaka African Dance Group and the Charlotte Youth Ballet. Drummer, Chris Thompson was always the focal point as he kept time with the African dance and the melody of the song.

As the night progressed other memorable performances were given by country and gospel music legends, Terri Gibbs, Betty Jean Robinson and David Meece. The Legendary WBT Briarhoppers and the Dunder Chiefs. The stage was set for Phantom of the Opera star, Jacob Wade and Christian recording artist, Caroline Keller to give an emotional performance of “You Raise Me Up” The Union County Youth Ballet added their special touch to an already beautiful performance. The ballet also performed at various spots throughout the evening. Guild president Richard Kiser enchanted everyone with his guitar playing and memorable stage presence.

After the awards broadcast