THE LATEST
The Inspirations – “Pure Vintage” (2001)
For our final article on the Inspirations, check out my thoughts on this historic recording released in 2001, which garnered the Inspirations their first #1 song in 26 years!
Faithful vs. Famous
I was recently talking with a young man whose aspiration at this point in his life is to become famous. His reason stated is so he can reach more people with the Gospel but, while that may be true, I feel like it is as hard for a famous person to enter the Kingdom of...
NewsNuggets: 1-16-26
Loren Harris returns and MORE in NewsNuggets!
The Inspirations – “My Anchor Still Holds” / “The Country Needs the Cross” (1991)
The Inspirations did not release any new music in 1990, but in 1991, they released this highly popular recording, that was eventually picked up by Canaan Records and re-released with a new cover and title. Read all about it…
NewsNuggets: 1-9-26
Group changes for Dayton Gay, Brian Alvey, and MORE in NewsNuggets!
REVIEWS
The Inspirations – “Looking For You” (1978)
“Looking For You” remains one of my all-time favorite studio albums by the Inspirations. Is it one of yours? Read all about it!
The Inspirations – “When I Get Home” (1977)
After releasing 3 iconic albums in 1976, they settled on releasing only 1 album in 1977, titled “When I Get Home”. With its own unique sound and feel, it’s another fantastic album by the Inspirations…
The Inspirations – “On Heaven’s Bright Shore” (1976)
Before 1976 was done, the Inspirations released one more album, “On Heaven’s Bright Shore”, which was one of their most popular studio albums. Read all about it…
The Inspirations – “A Night of Inspiration” (1976)
As the Inspirations continue their 12th anniversary celebration, they released a 2nd live album featuring mostly popular songs they had recorded while with Canaan. The album remains one of their most popular albums ever…read all about it!
The Inspirations – “Silver Anniversary” (1989)
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday! As we resume our series on the Inspirations, the next album we come to is their 1989 recording, “Silver Anniversary”. Though no songs charted for this album, it was a classy representation of their music at the time. Check it out…
The Inspirations – “Yes, I Will Be There” (1988)
With this latest release, the Inspirations scaled the instrumentation back to just piano, bass and acoustic guitar. The album had a more rustic feel, but was undeniably “Inspirations”.
HISTORY
#NewsNuggets: 11-10-18
We’re a day late, but we still have News Nuggets!!
A Research Project: How Recent Were the Good Ol’ Days?
How long has it been since the good ol’ days? This is almost impossible to quantify, so let’s ask a more specific question. Now and in the past, how close are Southern Gospel’s leading groups to their own good ol’ days? How close are they to the era that everyone...
Album Covers – a dying art?
Good or bad, album covers used to be a part of the music-buying experience….but not so much anymore.
Music Biz Monday: New Recordings with Original Parts
What if you could take an old recording and make a new one?
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.
The Originals: He Touched Me
Hear the original recording of “He Touched Me.”
VIEWS AND COMMENTARY
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…
The Convoluted Cathedral Quartet Catalog Condundrum
The Cathedral Quartet is among the most well-loved and respected gospel groups in history. There isn't a quartet singer today who isn't familiar with the rich history of the Cathedrals, and you would be hard pressed to find many fans who don't own at least SOMETHING...
My 2023 SGMA Hall Of Fame Nominations
DBM’s 2023 nominations for the SGMA Hall Of Fame.
SONY’S DEVOTIONS
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?
NQC 2021: Tuesday
I took in the afternoon showcase as well as the evening concerts at NQC on Tuesday. After a sermon by James Merritt, the rest of the afternoon showcase featured the Southern Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame inductions for 2021. The 2-hour showcase consists of...
For the Weary
"The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out." ~Proverbs 30:1 What a year and a half it's been. It seems like every day I continue to hear about people who are sick or dying. I know many of you have...
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 the...
#NewsNuggets: 3-29-24
Using Artificial Intelligence to mimic singers is outlawed in Tennessee and MORE in today’s NewsNuggets!
Deliver Us from Evil
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ~Matthew 6:13 This past week, a man that we used to attend church with was murdered. This has brought up the age-old discussion of, If God could have stopped it, why didn't He? There are things we will never...