#NEWSNUGGETS

Seven individuals representing five of Southern Gospel’s largest publishers have issued a joint statement on the topic of Artificial Intelligence technology. They have agreed on four points: 1) They have an obligation to promote human creators; 2) Songwriting and pitching songs to artists must remain beyond reproach; 3) They will educate their affiliated songwriters regarding where the use of AI is allowed (like making a demo recording after a song is complete) vs. ethical boundaries in the creative process; 4) They will guarantee the originality of their songs with a signed statement. 

The Southern Gospel Music Association of West Virginia held their Hall Of Fame induction ceremony last Saturday. Inductees included Ron Booth Sr. (Booth Brothers, Rebels, et al), Roger Comer (The Crossmen, Faith Harmony Boys, et al), Lois Gail (songwriter), Dennis Murphy (Greenes & The Kingdom Heirs), and Jerry Skaggs Sr. (Faith Harmony Boys, The Faithmen, et al). Sheri Bee was recognized as well with the Eric Lusk Memorial Super Fan Award.

REMEMBERING

Former Watchmen Quartet singer and founding member of The Royal Descendants Denny Sutton passed away on April 22. A memorial service for Sutton was held on Saturday, April 26 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. 

Pianist/producer/singer/songwriter Garry Jones passed away on Sunday, April 27. Jones was a former member of the Dixie Echoes and Gold City as well as a founding member of Old Friends Quartet, Signature Sound, and Mercy’s Mark.

Former Kingsmen, Pine Ridge Boys, and Tar Heel State pianist Charles Abee passed away on Monday, April 28. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, May 4 in Hickory, North Carolina. 

RELEASED THIS WEEK

May 2 – Gaither Gospel Series – Heavenly Love: A Southern Convention Sing-Along (DVD/CD)

 

May 2 – Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing – Live at Lee University (digital)

Click HERE to listen to this month’s new releases.

UPCOMING RELEASES

Dates listed here typically reflect official release dates for retail and/or online outlets. Dates titles become available direct from the artists may differ.

May 9 – Mylon Hayes Family – Sing His Praise! (CD/digital)

May 16 – Karen Peck & New River – Good Answers (CD/digital)

June 5 – Justified Quartet – Beyond The Storm (EP/digital)

June 7 – Pine Ridge Boys – Down Memory Lane (CD)

June 20 – Kristy Cox – Learning To Walk With Him (CD/digital)

2025 – The Singing News Sourcebook

June 27 – Jimmy Fortune – Songs Of An American Dreamer (DVD/CD/Book)

Date? – Guardians – Where Healing Happens (CD/digital)

Date? – LeFevre Quartet – Here To Stay (CD/digital)

Date? – Various Artists – Songs I Grew Up Singing: Songs of Lanny Wolfe (DVD)

Date? – Adam Crabb – Title TBD (CD/digital)

Date? – Justified Quartet – Title TBD (CD/digital)

Date? – Various Artists – Tribute to Dottie Rambo (CD/digital)