THE LATEST
Merry Christmas!
…and a Happy New Year!
The Inspirations – “Singing in the Smokies…Live” (1980) / “Second Helpin’” (1981)
1980 and 1981 saw the Inspirations releasing 2 live albums, both recorded the same night during the 1980 summer session of the Singing in the Smokies. 2 very different live albums, showing the unique shades of music by the Inspirations.
News Nuggets: 10-17-25
A new booking agent for Tate Emmons and MORE in NewsNuggets!
The Inspirations – “Sing Me a Gospel Song” (1980)
After 6 years with the same vocal line-up, this would be the first album with Jack back at the baritone position since early 1970. While this album did not yield any radio hits, it was an excellent album overall. Read all about it…
News Nuggets: 10-10-25
Two departures announced and MORE in NewsNuggets!
REVIEWS
The Inspirations – “Touring that City” (1973)
The Inspirations had enjoyed tremendous success prior to 1973, but this album solidified their place as one of the greatest quartets in our genre, and also presented them with their first #1 song! Check it out…
The Inspirations – “We Shall Rise” (1972)
This 1972 album introduced us to the booming bass voice of Mike Holcomb, who remained with the group for over 40 years! “We Shall Rise” features a lot of concert favorites for the Inspirations…check it out!
The Inspirations – “Old Time Singin'” (1972)
1972’s “Old Time Singin'” embodied all things “Inspirations”, and was a perfect sophomore recording for the Inspirations since signing with Canaan the previous year.
The Inspirations – “Wake Up in Glory
“Wake Up in Glory” was the Inspirations first official album with Canaan Records and was a highly popular album for the group, producing 2 chart topping songs and several concert favorites. Read all about it…
The Inspirations – “Songs of Love” (1979)
“Songs of Love” would be the Inspirations’ second release for 1979. The warm feel of the cover starkly contrasts the cold looking cover of their last album. Read all about it…
Hymnal Review: The Sing Hymnal Lay-Flat Edition with Chords
DBM reviews The Sing Hymnal.
HISTORY
Southern Gospel Historical Library
I've covered in the past how southern gospel music has a vast library of music and film/video footage from decades of artists. I've also mentioned how much of this library is not controlled by large record labels or production companies, but in the hands of private...
My 2019 SGMA Hall Of Fame Nominees
The Southern Gospel Music Association is currently accepting nominees for the Hall Of Fame. Each member of the SGMA is asked to submit two living and two deceased individuals for consideration. After carefully considering the requirements outlined by the SGMA Hall Of...
SGMA Hall Of Fame: Who Will Be In The Class of 2019?
The Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame mailed out nomination ballots for the class of 2019 this past week. Voters will submit their nominations by March 15. An SGMA committee will then whittle the list down to determine the final group of 2019 inductees. The 2019...
#NewsNuggets: 11-10-18
We’re a day late, but we still have News Nuggets!!
My 2022 SGMA Hall Of Fame Nominees
The Southern Gospel Music Association is currently accepting nominees for the Hall Of Fame. Each member of the SGMA is asked to submit two living and two deceased individuals for consideration. Three of my 2022 nominees are the same as my 2021 nominees. (My other...
The Bakkers, PTL, and Southern Gospel Music
Aside from their very public downfall, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker had a large (and mutual) impact on southern gospel music.
VIEWS AND COMMENTARY
MTQ Comes to Streaming
One of the last big hold-outs against streaming has joined the digital landscape.
#NewsNuggets EXTRA: 9-30-23
2023 Fan Awards spark controversy, but all is well.
That time when the LeFevres “pulled a Taylor Swift”
If you think Taylor Swift is the first artist to re-cut entire albums out of spite, think again…
SONY’S DEVOTIONS
The Root of Bitterness
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." ~Ephesians 4:31 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest...
We Serve A Mighty God
"Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will be our...
Happy New Year 2022!
My brother and I just returned home after dropping our sister off at the airport. She arrived here on Christmas afternoon, and it was a blessing to have her for so long. Because of her visit, though, I haven't had a lot of time to do my end-of-the-year pondering. I...
So Much to Thank Him For
I saw a Facebook post asking people to share their favorite Thanksgiving song. The first song that popped into my mind was "So Much to Thank Him For" which the Spencers and others have recorded. This is a song I intentionally play this time of year and it's also a...
Are You Growing?
If you've ever commented to a child how much they have grown since you last saw them, you probably saw them beam. Every child wants to get bigger and stronger and, although they don't realize they are growing as they go through their days, they love the realization...
What Kind of a Mark are You Making?
I just want to make a markI just want to touch someone's heartIn this world, Lord Jesus, for YouMay I ever burn with Your fireNever let me lose the desire To make a mark on this world for You This song by the Hoppers was going through my head this morning when I woke...
Getting Past “Poor Me”
I cringe when I see people posting on social media or constantly talking about how lonely they are, how they are no use to anyone, how they don't have any friends, etc. No matter how much people try to convince them that they are wrong, they seem to want to wallow in...
Audio Review: The Booth Brothers – “Take Another Step”
Will a major lineup change affect a long time fan favorite?
Love Them While You Can
In October of 2022, my brother and I were driving home from a speaking event when I realized it wouldn't be very far out of the way to visit a widow friend that I hadn't seen in a few years. I knew my brother would be eager to get home to his family, but I broached...
Doubly Good to You
If you find a love that's tenderIf you find someone who's trueThank the LordHe's been doubly good to you ~Rich Mullins I write a lot about thanksgiving because, for most people, that is not their normal bent. We can receive praise all day long, but it's the person...
We Are So Blessed
We are so blessed by the things You have done,The victories we've won, and what You've brought us through.We are so blessed; take what we have to bring.Take it all everything. Lord, we bring it to you.. If you think about it, the first couple lines of this verse...