by James Hales | Dec 10, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
With Jack’s departure from the Inspirations in early 1986, former/original lead singer, Ronnie Hutchins stepped in to fill the baritone spot. This would be Ronnie’s 3rd tenure with the group, as he first left in Spring 1969, then returned during the summer of 1970,...
by David Bruce Murray | Dec 5, 2025 | News
NEWS NUGGETS Last Saturday, the Lawsons announced the return of Hannah Lawson to the family group. She had left previously to attend Liberty University and will now continue taking online classes to complete her degree while returning to sing. Peace Records announced...
by James Hales | Dec 3, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
By early 1986, the Inspirations had maintained the same vocal line-up with Archie, Troy, Jack and Mike for about 6 years or so. Though I grew up watching them on the Gospel Singing Jubilee with the line-up of Archie, Troy, Eddie and Mike, the line-up from late 1979 to...
by David Bruce Murray | Nov 28, 2025 | News
NEWS NUGGETS Big Picture Records announced an exclusive recording agreement with Right Road Quartet. Based in Columbia, MS, Right Road Quartet includes Matt Linton (group founder and lead singer), Caleb Dunn (bass), Kip Barrier (tenor), and Jason Pope (baritone). NEW...
by James Hales | Nov 26, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
As the Inspirations wrapped up their 20th anniversary as a group, like clockwork, they were back into the studio at the beginning of 1985 to record this unique album titled, “Praise God and Country”. Given the political climate and the renewed sense of patriotism...
by David Bruce Murray | Nov 21, 2025 | News
NEWS NUGGETS Icee unveiled a new ICEEbus that will be carrying The Isaacs to their upcoming tour dates. In an email to season ticket holders yesterday, the National Quartet Convention announced that 2025 riser sections will be converted to floor level seating in...
by James Hales | Nov 19, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
1984 was a celebratory, “Twentieth Anniversary” year for the Inspirations. Though 20 years had passed, and many changes had taken place since those humble beginnings in Martin’s basement, Archie, Martin and Jack (who were part of those first basement sessions in...
by David Bruce Murray | Nov 14, 2025 | News
NEWS NUGGETS The Southern Gospel Music Guild honored singer/songwriter Joel Hemphill on Tuesday with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Southern Gospel Music Guild also selected Ricky Carden of the Down East Boys to serve as the organization’s new president....
by James Hales | Nov 12, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
By 1983, the Inspirations were celebrating 12 years with Canaan Records (though “Sing Me a Gospel Song” and “Is That Footsteps That I Hear” were initially released independently, but later picked up by Canaan), and they were enjoying renewed success with such songs as...
by David Bruce Murray | Nov 7, 2025 | News
NEWS NUGGETS The Pine Ridge Boys announced the departure of baritone singer Jackson Smith. Smith, who joined the group in 2022, plans to remain active in the Gospel music scene as a singer and songwriter, just at a slower pace. Justified Quartet announced the addition...
by James Hales | Nov 5, 2025 | LP Review, Reviews
After releasing a couple of independent live albums, along with their previous two studio albums starting out under the “Inspirations Records” umbrella, this is the first purely Canaan release for the Inspirations in 2 years. With the sudden passing of Marvin Norcross...
by David Bruce Murray | Oct 31, 2025 | News
NEWS NUGGETS Legacy Five’s Scott Fowler stated in a Facebook comment on Tuesday that “Lee (Black) is pursuing other interests.” Tenor/songwriter Black had traveled with Legacy Five since 2019. NEW RELEASES Click HERE to listen to this month’s...
