Matthew DeLange Family Tragedy

On Friday afternoon, August 22, the DeLange's were traveling on Interstate 71 toward Ohio and the trailer they had hitched to their vehicle began swaying. Matthew lost control and their Suburban flipped and rolled with Matthew and his daughter, Hayleigh being thrown from the vehicle and sustaining very serious injuries. They were airlifted to hospitals in Cincinnati. Mrs. Lori DeLange, and four of the children, Heidi, Sarah, Riley, and Adam, did not require medical attention.

Matthew spiked a temperature of 103 last evening (Aug. 26). The hospital staff suspects that it is pneumonia but are not sure. His temperature is down to 101 this morning, but they are not finished culturing the bacteria to see what kind of antibiotic will work best. In addition, he has broken ribs, broken arm, a crushed shoulder, broken vertebrae, and severe head trauma. He has had surgery with the doctors removing part of the skull in order to allow the brain to have room to swell, and is still losing blood. Originally they thought perhaps they would operate on his crushed shoulder on Thursday to see if that is where the blood is coming from, but with the fever, they will be able to do that. Please pray for this family..

Hayleigh has head injuries and lots of scrapes and bruises as well as a broken leg and will begin therapy soon while in the hospital. Matthew is at University Hospital in Cincinnati and Hayleigh is in Children's in Cincinnati.

Matt DeLange is the son of Bruce DeLange, the director of Fellowship Tract League and pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Lebanon, OH. Encouragement, cards and letters can be sent to: Fellowship Tract League Attention: Matthew DeLange PO Box 164, Lebanon, OH 45036.

Webbs Release Milestone Album At NQC

Song Garden Music Group recording artist The Webbs (formerly the Rick Webb Trio) will be releasing a brand new project at the National Quartet Convention next month in Louisville, Kentucky.

The recording, entitled 25th Anniversary Edition, is a milestone recording for the group. Not only does it celebrate 25 years of music ministry for Rick and Phyllis Webb, it is their first recording where the entire group is made up of family. Son, Parker, and daughter, Hannah, make an impressive recording debut on this project.

Vice President of Song Garden Music Group David Staton said, “Rick and Phyllis have always had one of the finest groups in Gospel music, but now that their kids have joined them, it adds a whole new dimension to what they do. The family harmony is unmistakable, and the two generations on stage appeals to everyone they sing to. Gospel music was built on family names like Goodman, LeFevre, Blackwood, and Speer, and I believe this recording will add Webb that that very impressive list of names.”

The new project not only reflects back over the 25-year history of the group, but it also shines a bright light on the very clear future for this great family.

The group’s new single from the album, “Singing With the Saints”, will be released to Southern Gospel radio stations across the country next week.

The Webbs recently announced the unveiling of the group’s brand new, fully-updated website. The new webpage (http://www.thewebbsmusicministry.com) was designed by the staff of b.creative. b.creative is owned and managed by Brad Strider. The brand new site features and up-to-date schedule, biography, online store, media information for churches and promoters, and much more.

The Webbs have seen a strong response from radio for their latest single, “Hallelujah to the Lord.” The song has spent an impressive 23 weeks on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart. In addition, the song has consistently charted in the Top 100 Southern Gospel Songs according to the RadioActiveAirplay.com’s weekly chart.

For more information on The Webbs, visit http://www.thewebbsmusicministry.com. Fans are encouraged to visit The Webbs on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thewebbsmusicministry

For information on how to book the group for your church, event, or concert, call the Dominion Agency at (910) 484-6996 or email them at scheduling@thedominionagency.com. You can visit them online at http://www.thedominionagency.com.

New Ground Performs For President Carter

Cross & Crown Recording Artist New Ground, from Scottsboro, Alabama, recently performed for President & Mrs. Jimmy Carter.  New Ground was honored to attend the Sunday School Class taught by President Carter.  Over 15 states and four foreign countries were represented as well.  Pictured are New Ground members Dale & Robbie Maxwell and David Owens along with President Carter and his wife Rosalynn. 

Revival Wind Signs Holy Destiny To Exclusive Recording Contract

The trio, Holy Destiny of Clanton, AL have signed an exclusive recording and promotion contract with the Revival Wind Music.

Just over ten years ago, a dream was realized in the hearts of two young men from Clanton, AL.  All their life they had the desire to form their own group.  Both were raised in families that fostered singing and the love for the art.  Both of these young men were part of their family group early in life.  In the late nineties, the Lord allowed them to realize the dream of being in their own group.  That group is Holy Destiny.

Paul Martin, A&R Director for The Revival Wind Music Group, has this to say concerning the signing of Holy Destiny, “As a record company executive, it’s really hard to understand how a group of this caliber has been virtually overlooked for years.  When we first heard them, we wanted the best for the group, even if they didn’t sign with Revival Wind.  As always, the Lord’s plan prevailed and we are fortunate enough to sign this fantastic, spiritual group to an exclusive Revival Wind recording agreement.”  Martin continued, “Because these guys know who they are singing about and because of their fantastic talent and energetic stage presence, Holy Destiny is a great addition to the Revival Wind artist line-up.”

Lance Driskell was quick to add a statement concerning the signing, “It is awesome to be part of a label that is ministry oriented, “that” is so refreshing.  From the first time I talked to Marty and the staff at Revival Wind, it has been all about our ministry.  When that is right, everything else will fall into place.  We are excited to be a part of such a wonderful family.”

The group and Revival Wind are currently selecting songs for their first recording and single project.

You can learn more about Holy Destiny by visiting her website at: http://www.HolyDestiny.com or by visiting Revival Wind Music at: http://www.RevivalWind.com 

Imperials Welcome Scott Allen And Perry Jones To The Group

Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials are proud to announce the addition of vocalists Scott Allen and Perry Jones to the group.

Scott and Perry are replacing longstanding members Shannon Smith and Jeremie Hudson as lead and tenor vocalists. Both Shannon and Jeremie resigned from the group to pursue jobs in church ministry.

Shannon Smith said, “While the guys in The Imperials didn't want me to leave, they have been supportive of me following the Lord in this direction, and I'm really grateful to them for that. It's been somewhat of a tough transition emotionally because the four of us have been like brothers over the past several years, and we've really come to love each other. I know that we'll remain friends but we're so used to being together all the time that this will take some getting used to for all of us! They have a great vision for the future and some great things are happening. I'm excited to see where the Lord leads them!”

Shannon has taken a church in Miami, Florida. He and his family have already moved there and are excited about their future there.

Jeremie Hudson has taken a position in a church in Alabama.

“I have loved my time in The Imperials for these nine years! I thank GOD, Armond Morales, all our fans, pastors and all the friends I made. I also want to say a huge thank you, and I'll miss you, to Jason, Ian and Shannon. We went through a lot together. I pray that we will remain close as we go in separate directions,” said Jeremie. “It was always my desire to see people's lives changed. I can only hope and pray that I have lived up to the calling that GOD placed on my life while in The Imperials. God bless you all!”

Scott Allen, the group’s new lead vocalist, has been filling in for Shannon since he announced his resignation last April. Allen spent time on the road with Mercy’s Mark before joining The Imperials.

Perry Jones replaces Jeremie Hudson on the tenor spot. Perry Jones most recently sang with up and coming trio Brothers Forever.

Jason Morales of The Imperials said, “While it is always a sad thing to see members of a group who are like family leave, Ian and I can’t help but have high expectations for the future of The Imperials. We are so excited to see where God is going to take this group as we enter a new chapter in The Imperials’ history.”

More information on the group’s new members will be updated on the The Imperials’ website shortly.

The Imperials’ latest single, “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God”, recently became the group’s latest Top 20 hit. The song is the first Top 20 hit for the group from their latest critically-acclaimed and award-winning release, Back to the Roots. “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God” came in at #16 for the upcoming August 2008 issue of the Singing News Top 80 chart.

Back to the Roots was awarded Album of the Year at the 2008 SGN Music Awards Celebration earlier this year.

For more information on The Imperials, the new recording, and their recent television and media appearances, please visit http://theimperials.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit The Imperials on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/imperialsmusic/.  You can also visit The Imperials on Shoutlife at http://www.shoutlife.com/theimperials/ or at myCCM at http://www.myccm.org/theimperials.

"Big" Clayton Watson Joins Gentle Breeze Music Family

Gentle Breeze Music is honored to have signed “Big” Clayton Watson to an exclusive recording contract.

Based near Branson, Clayton has been astounding Missouri audiences at Branson Landing with his piano playing abilities.  In addition to being a regular at Branson Landing, Clayton is continually busy with is current regional ministry.

“Every so often a person comes along that God anoints with a triple helping of talent, Clayton Watson is one of these people.” Stated Paul Martin, A&R Director for Gentle Breeze Music.  Paul continued, “There is no doubt in my mind that people will soon be comparing Clayton’s music with some of the best pianists of our time.  No matter how much of Clayton’s music you listen to, his piano mastery will always leave you wanting more.”

Watson had this to say concerning his future with Gentle Breeze, “I am very humbled by the staff and management of Gentle Breeze and Revival Wind.  I am encouraged to find there are still people focused on the ministry aspect of Southern Gospel.  I am thankful God has opened this door for my ministry.  I could not ask for anything more.  I am excited about our future together.”

Clayton will be in the studio soon starting work on his first Gentle Breeze project.  The first release from Clayton’s new project will most likely happen in early winter.

You can hear and learn more about “Big” Clayton Watson by visiting his website at:  www.ClaytonWatson.com or www.145MusicGroup.com

English Family Signs Web Publishing Agreement With Southern Spin Entertainment

Georgia-based family group The English Family has reached a publicity and promotional agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment. Through this agreement, the up and coming group has gained unlimited access to all media outlets serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, in addition to advertising and marketing potential through this exclusive partnership.

Also, the talented family group will receive a newly updated website and press kit from the organization.

The English Family is a multi-faceted evangelistic ministry based out of Barnesville, Georgia. In addition to being talented in the vocal department, this family is deeply engaged in ministry. The English Family ministers at concerts, conferences, workshops, and even on cruises. The group’s current release is titled Back to Roots and features the #1 RadioActiveAirplay.com song “Take It to the Lord”.

Amy Marie Unthank of Southern Spin Entertainment said, “We are so blessed that The English Family has become a part of the SSE family! We have already fallen in love with this group – and we know that many more will fall in love with their sound, their heart for ministry, and their love for God.”

Southern Spin Entertainment is one of three divisions of the 501c non-profit organization SSE Group, Inc. The company is operated by siblings Amy Marie Unthank and Chris D. Unthank. The company currently represents artists, companies, and organizations in all genres of Gospel music – including the Dove Brothers, the Freemans, The Webbs (formery the Rick Webb Trio), The Imperials, SoGospelNews.com, Southern Brothers, Beyond the Ashes (formerly Anthony Facello & Crossroad), Misty Freeman, the Diamond Awards, myTeamABC, Johnny Minick, Eighth Day, the Glovers, Sharron Kay King, HisSong, the Prophets Quartet, Wendy Word + forgiven, The Pathfinders, Amazed, and many more.

The newly redesigned English Family website will be unveiled shortly. Until then, visit the group’s current website at http://www.englishfamilyonline.com .

GospelMusicHeritage.com Goes Live!

The country's first-ever National Gospel Music Heritage Month is now supported by an exclusive web site dedicated to all aspects of the September celebration of gospel music's valuable long-standing contributions to American culture as http://www.gospelmusicheritage.com launched Monday.

The web site will build toward September, adding content that will include: special web-exclusive performances, programming and videos; interviews with legendary artists who've been instrumental in keeping gospel heritage alive, current and up-and- coming artists discussing their musical influences; gospel facts, figures and historical nuggets and more. Throughout September, visitors will also find calendars of local gospel concerts and events happening in their area as well as web banners and other materials that can be used to spread information on Gospel Music Heritage Month.

GMC has joined with Senators, Members of Congress, The Recording Academy® and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) to launch the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative. The dual legislation in the House of Representatives (H.Con. Res. 370) and the Senate (S. Res. 595) designates September 2008 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month," honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by the Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only 24/7 television network devoted to all forms of gospel/Christian music.

On-air, GMC will celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month with world and network premieres, documentaries, original specials and series, short- form and interstitial pieces, music videos and more. Highlights include: Mahalia Sings! - rarely-seen performances by Mahalia Jackson every Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. hosted by Dorothy Norwood; documentaries on the gospel works of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Al Green, The Dixie Hummingbirds and other greats; special presentations of GMC's biography series Faith & Fame featuring contemporary stars Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and others; the world television premiere of the 2008 BMI Trailblazer Awards, held in conjunction with and prior to the Stellar Awards and featuring exhilarating performances by gospel music's premier recording artists; two gospel/Christian music legends, Bill Gaither and Dr. Bobby Jones, bringing a multitude of performers together, and much more.

Jubilee Music Artists Adds New Booking Agent

It is with much pleasure that Barbara Roach welcomes Melissa Aaron to the Jubilee Music Artists' family. Melissa will work with Barbara as a booking agent for JMA.

Melissa was born in Myrtle Beach, SC to Rev. Robert and Martha Hamilton. Her father is an Assemblies of God pastor. Melissa and her husband, Brian, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 16 years. They now have two daughters, Elizabeth, who is almost a teenager and Emily, 11 years old. Brian also grew up in a Christian home and his father is a United Methodist pastor. Melissa and her family currently reside in Mobile, AL. They worship at the First Church of the Nazarene where Melissa is also the office secretary.

Melissa has always loved music and singing. She remembers as a very young child sitting on the piano bench beside her mother listening to her daddy sing. Melissa has been involved in some kind of music or singing for as long as she can remember. At her church, she currently sings on the praise team and directs the adult choir.

Melissa feels abundantly blessed to be one of the newest members of the Jubilee Music Artists family. She considers it a privilege to share in this ministry of gospel music.
Additional information is available at www.jubileemusicartists.org. 

Cerces Renew Contract With Southern Spin Entertainment

The Cerces, one of the Midwest's most popular family groups, have just renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The group has re-signed for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. The group will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

Cliff Cerce of The Cerces said, “We have been more than happy with the services that we have received from the folks at SSE. They’ve done a fantastic job for us, and we highly recommend them to anyone looking to get their name out there!”

“We have known The Cerces for a very long time – long before they ever decided to utilize our services,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group. “They are some of the most sincere and genuine people in this industry. We’re excited to start another year with Cliff, Anita, and Terry.”

The Cerces just released their first live CD/DVD. Entitled Live In St. Louis, the new project was recorded on June 24, 2007 in the greater St Louis area. The concert, which runs approximately an hour and 15 minutes and includes 18 songs, was professionally captured and produced by Timothy R. Smith of Moving Memories of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The trio just released “John the Baptist” to Southern Gospel radio through RadioActiveAirplay.com. DJs and program directors are encouraged to stop by and download the song for their station.

Product information and more can be found on The Cerces’ website at http://thecerces.com/. Fans can also visit The Cerces’ MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thecerces/.

Cavaliers Quartet Sign With Garden Creek Records

The Cavaliers Quartet from Shelbyville, TN have signed on with Garden Creek Records, a division of Song Garden Music Group. The group signed last year to Song Garden's Grapevine Records and due to their presence on southern gospel radio and increased sales, the group will release their sophomore project on the Garden Creek label.

The new project is scheduled to be released by the end of this year. Their first single, "Jesus Saved My Soul" stayed on the sogospelnews.com top 40 chart for 10 consecutive weeks. The Gospel Music Times top 40 chart has reported the song charting for more than 5 weeks with a #2 position for one of those weeks. Their brand new single, "Keep Drinking Water From The Well" will be released in 2 weeks to radio nationwide, but radio can download now at www.sgshowprep.com. The new single will also be available for download at www.songgardenmusicgroup.com/radio 

Faithful Touch Reach Agreement With Southern Gospel Outreach Promotions

Faithful Touch Trio is being promoted by Southern Gospel Outreach Promotions, owned by Tommy D Mayo of Clarksville, Texas.. Tommy Mayo in the past has promoted such artists as Gold City, Dove Brothers, Kevin Spencer & Friends, The Singing American, Journeyman, and many other artists. He has been a part in Southern Gospel music for 43 years, and was promoting for 38 years. but now the Lord has placed on Tommy's heart to promote unknown, and up coming new independent artists, such as Faithful Touch Trio, which consists of Carolyn Vaughn, Mary Manry, & Mollie Lowery. "Faithful Touch states, that they are excited about being a part of Southern Gospel Outreach, and looking forward to work with Tommy Mayo, and looking foward to see what the Lord has planned for their music ministry.

Faithful Touch Trio, was a 2008 Nominee for Group Of The Year, with South Texas Gospel Music Association, based in San Antonio, Texas. Carolyn Vaughn, and Mary Manry, has also in the past been Nominees with Southern Gospel Music Association of Texas, in DFW Metroplex. Carolyn Vaughn was nominated for soloist of they year in 2000, and won Soloist Of The Year in 2001, along with other nomiations, and Mary Manry was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2000, 01, 02,& 03.

Perry Jones To Leave Brothers Forever

Perry Jones has announced his resignation as tenor singer for Brothers Forever. Jones will be fulfilling his obligations with Brothers Forever for the entire month of August but will officially step down following his last concert with the trio on August 23, 2008.

Curts Hagy of Brothers Forever said, “We wish Perry the best in his next adventure in ministry which will be with an exciting Southern Gospel group yet to be named. This is a great opportunity for Perry, and we wish him nothing but the best. He has been faithful and a vital part of our ministry for the past year. He is extremely talented vocally and a very gifted musician which will be a great asset to the next ministry that he s a part of.”

Brothers Forever is immediately seeking a replacement. Any interested parties should contact the group at curtis@brothersforever.net.

Brothers Forever recently released the group’s latest recording Sheltered. Sheltered features songs from high acclaimed writers like Jimmy Dooley, Sandy Blythe, Russ & Tori Taff, and more. In addition, the majority of the songs were written by group member Curtis Hagy and additional writing by group member Gary Bellew.

The group recently released their latest single from the album, “I Can’t Forget the Day.” “I Can’t Forget the Day” is already making waves at Southern Gospel radio. The song is currently at #33 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and will debut at #80 on the September 2008 issue of the Gospel Music News Top 100. In addition, the song is ranked #2 on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart – the industry’s only chart that is based solely on the votes of the fans.

You can catch up with Brothers Forever at their homepage – http://www.brothersforever.net.