NEWS OF THE WEEK
In an email to churches on Thursday, choral music publisher Brentwood Benson announced they are shutting down all operations at the end of 2021. Final orders must be placed by December 15. The company was the home of Russell Mauldin’s popular Ready To Sing series which included several notable collaborations with popular songwriter Sue C. Smith over the years.
The Ellisville, Mississippi-based Hope’s Journey Trio plans to dissolve in January 2022. Group owner/manager Vonda Armstrong’s future plans include speaking engagements, event promotions, operating her radio promotion company Hey Y’all Media, and spending more time with her grandchildren. Group members Alicia Estis and Jenny Sullivan plan to explore new ministry opportunities with their respective families.
The SGMA Of West Virginia has made separate announcement throughout the fall months of 2021 revealing who will be in the inaugural class of their new Hall Of Fame. The list to date includes Don Beard, Squire Parsons, Virgil Parsons, Darrell Moore, Ernie Phillips, Chuck Compton, Ed Baker, Jim Humphreys, Josephine Humphreys, Jay Humphreys, and Conrad Cook. The induction ceremony will be held on March 19, 2022 at Charleston Mountain Mission Church in Charlestown, West Virginia.
PRAYER REQUEST
Allen Hall of Selah announced yesterday that their Christmas tour appearances scheduled from December 3-December 10 have been postponed and requested prayers for a quick and full recovery for singer Todd Smith who has been diagnosed with Covid-19. Thankfully, Smith is only experiencing mild symptoms.
REMEMBERING
Dianne Wilkinson who wrote over 1000 songs including “We Shall See Jesus” and “Boundless Love” passed away on Tuesday, November 30. A memorial service for Wilkinson will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at Springhill Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee, and a graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 8 at Elmwood Cemetery in Blytheville, Arkansas.
Daystar Television Network founder Marcus Lamb passed away on Tuesday, November 30. A memorial service for Lamb will be held on Monday in Southlake, Texas.
RELEASED THIS WEEK
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)
After seeing the list of her recorded songs on her website, I’m curious to see how many more hits she may have posthumously. Grateful for her music and message.