The Paynes – “Ready or Not” (1982)

The Paynes – “Ready or Not” (1982)

For the next group in this series, I want to take a few weeks to focus on a group called the Paynes. I came to appreciate this group during my teenage years in the 80’s, and though their time as a full-time group was relatively short lived compared to many of the...
#NewsNuggets: 4-26-24

#NewsNuggets: 4-26-24

NEWS OF THE WEEK Ernie Haase announced 12-year veteran bass singer Paul Harkey is leaving Signature Sound at the end of May. Haase also announced Harkey’s replacement will be Christopher Taylor from Miami, Florida, a new face on the Southern Gospel concert...
The Hemphills – “Hits” (1989)

The Hemphills – “Hits” (1989)

The last recording the Hemphills released before coming off the road is this wonderful culmination of hit songs spanning their entire musical catalog. I remember talking with them in the summer of 1989 and this album was already in the works, and they were probably...
#NewsNuggets: 4-19-24

#NewsNuggets: 4-19-24

NEWS OF THE WEEK The Southern Gospel Music Association of West Virginia announced they will induct the following individuals into their Hall Of Fame on Saturday, April 27 at a ceremony in Huntington, West Virginia: Diana Perry Gillette, Homer Fry, Mark Hale, Harold...
The Hemphills – “Celebration” (1989)

The Hemphills – “Celebration” (1989)

After “Revival” was released in 1987, it would be 2 years before the Hemphills would release a new album. During this time, the group left RiverSong Records and joined ranks with their friend Bill Traylor on his new label, Homeland Records. With renewed excitement,...
#NewsNuggets: 4-12-24

#NewsNuggets: 4-12-24

NEWS OF THE WEEK The Dixie Echoes announced they have hired former Florida Melody Boys member Shannon Yates to sing baritone. Randy “Scoot” Shelnut Jr. who has carried the baritone part since 1995 will be the group’s bass singer going forward....
The Hemphills – “Revival” (1987)

The Hemphills – “Revival” (1987)

One of the most popular albums in the Hemphills’ discography was this gem from 1987 titled, “Revival”. Featuring a classy cover shot of the group, the soft pastel color pallet of the cover perfectly contrasted the vibrant colors of their last 2 album covers. By the...
#NewsNuggets: 4-5-24

#NewsNuggets: 4-5-24

NEWS OF THE WEEK Ernie and Debbie Peters (The Joyaires) were honored with a presentation from the Southern Gospel Music Association recently celebrating their 45 years in gospel ministry. Gold City announced they have hired Lori Wise to manage their current and future...
The Hemphills – “I Can Smile” (1986)

The Hemphills – “I Can Smile” (1986)

By 1986, the Benson Company had dropped the Heartwarming label as lots of changes were going on within the company during that time, and in the process, the Hemphills signed with RiverSong Records. RiverSong was actually started in 1983 by Bill Traylor, and by 1986,...
Jesus Is the Resurrection!

Jesus Is the Resurrection!

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies. ~John 11:25 This morning, I’m thinking of two friends who passed away recently. One was a church greeter who used to greet us on Easter morning with...
#NewsNuggets: 3-29-24

#NewsNuggets: 3-29-24

NEWS OF THE WEEK Bluegrass Gospel band, Chosen Road, recently performed for a session of the Tennessee State Senate. The Frosts announced the launch of a new weekly southern gospel show in Branson, MO called “Southern Gospel Sundays with The Frosts” at The Americana...