NEWS OF THE WEEK

Nominees for the 2022 Grammy Awards were announced on Tuesday. Nominees in the Roots Gospel Album category include: Alone With My Faith – Harry Connick, Jr.; That’s Gospel, Brother – Gaither Vocal Band; Keeping On – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Songs For The Times – The Isaacs; My Savior – Carrie Underwood. Click HERE[1] to view the entire list of nominees.

Wayne Shuford of the Pine Ridge Boys retired from the group on November 21 after “filling in” at the baritone position for the past nine years. Shuford’s career as a singer includes an earlier stint as tenor with the Pine Ridge Boys that started when the group formed in 1963 as well as a 45-year career singing tenor with The Trav’lers.

Doran Ritchey will rejoin Liberty Quartet in January 2022 as pianist along with taking on other roles for the group (producing/arranging/etc.). Ritchey previously traveled with Liberty from 2004-2009 serving both as their baritone singer and pianist.

REMEMBERING

Former Southern Gospel Promoter’s Association president and Southmen Quartet owner Jim Hefner passed away on Saturday, November 20.

Singer, songwriter, and TV host of Trinity Broadcasting Network’s Up On Melody Mountain Betty Jean Robinson passed away on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 88.

NEW RELEASES

UPCOMING RELEASES

The dates listed here are distribution dates when music will officially be available through retail and online outlets. Some titles may be available sooner direct from the artists.

February 22, 2022 – Karen Peck & New River – Title TBD (CD)