Steven Curtis Chapman is already the most-awarded Christian music artist in history and as of this week, he continues his reign. His current radio single, “Don’t Lose Heart,” has hit No. 1, making it Chapman’s 50th career chart-topping song and the first artist to achieve this feat in the industry.

It was his single “His Eyes” from 1988’s Real Life Conversations album that put Chapman on the course to a plethora of No. 1 songs, a list that also includes “I Will Be Here,” “The Great Adventure,” “Dive,” “Live Out Loud,” and “For The Sake Of The Call.” Chapman shares this historic milestone with just a few select artists who boast 50 or more top radio hits, including Madonna, George Strait, and Conway Twitty.

“I’m completely blown away by the support for this song and for my music, even after so many years,” Steven Curtis Chapman exclaims. “To ever have a number one song at radio as an artist/songwriter is a dream come true, and to have fifty is simply unbelievable! This only happens because of an amazing team and a community of friends around me who have believed in the unbelievable. I’m grateful and humbled beyond words.”

“Don’t Lose Heart” was released in late 2022 and was the most-added song at radio for three straight weeks. As the first single from Chapman’s latest album, Still, he was inspired to write the song through his journey in the shallowed valley of grief and loss he and his family have traveled. He released a new version earlier this month featuring country artist Mitchell Tenpenny, a version that has quickly connected with listeners thanks to the song’s upbeat honesty and truth.

Holly Zabka, President, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music, shares. “We are so honored and excited to be a part of Steven’s 50th No. 1 song with ‘Don’t Lose Heart.’ This unprecedented and monumental achievement for Steven is a testament to the incredible artist and songwriter he is and can only be outshined by the countless lives that have been changed by his music.”

Chapman will be sharing “Don’t Lose Heart,” along with another fan favorite from the Still album, “Kindness,” as well as many of his top hits on tour. Kicking off this Friday, March 2, his “Still” Tour will hit 24 markets throughout the spring. Click HERE for the most updated tour schedule.

ICYMI: 5x GRAMMY-winning vocal powerhouse Naomi Raine and renowned vocalist TAYA joined forces to kick off Fox & Friends’ “Faith & Friends” concert series, which showcases some of the biggest names in Christian music leading up to Easter.

The two performed a never-before-heard mashup of “Jireh” and “Oceans” and gave fans a sneak peak of their co-headlining It’s Time Tour. Watch the full Fox & Friends performance, HERE.

The It’s Time Tour is a first-of-its-kind all female-led worship lineup that features co-headliners Naomi Raine, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, TAYA and Natalie Grant. Read more about the It’s Time Tour, HERE.

Naomi Raine & TAYA

GRAMMY, Stellar Award and DOVE Award winner Jonathan McReynolds performs “Your World” on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week. The performance can be seen below.

Last week McReynolds released his brand-new full-length album, MY TRUTH. MY TRUTH marks the fifth album release from the current 54th NAACP Image Award nominee. In celebration of MY TRUTH, McReynolds will embark on an 11-city tour, kicking off in Orlando, FL on April 13th. The MY TRUTH TOUR is in partnership with Compassion International.

Your World – Jonathan McReynolds

MY TRUTH was preceded by the Billboard #1 single, “Your World” – which spent 5 weeks at #1 on Billboard Gospel, “Your World” reminds the listener of God’s sovereignty – a bop, intentionally upbeat, and happy.

The song was written to help people lift the weights that hold them down. Known for bridging the gap between contemporary church music and the music of the past, Jonathan has included African American spiritual texts and the influences of Marvin Gaye. 

“Your World” will have listeners up moving and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Jonathan McReynolds shares, “This song reflects my evolution and growth. I am not the same person I was when I wrote my first album. Now, I am secure enough to take more risks and remove any limits to my creativity. It’s God’s World, and we are just living in it!”

As one of the most successful Christian touring artists today, Grammy winner Chris Tomlin launches his “Stories Of Worship Tour” tonight. Chris will lead the attendees in a night that is centered around reminding people through worship and storytelling, that no matter where you are in your journey God is faithful, He is present, and He is here for you. Tickets for the tour are available atchristomlin.com.

“This tour is unlike anything I have done before and I can’t think of better partners to be joining us than Jockey Being Family Foundation and For Others,” shared Chris. “Every night will be filled with worship, laughter, making memories, and sharing stories about God’s continued faithfulness. So, to have the opportunity to shine a light on the foster care and adoption crisis through stories is something I am incredibly grateful for.”

Jockey and its charitable foundation, Jockey Being Family, are partnering with For Others for the tour as advocates for kids and families affected by foster care and adoption.

Founded by Chris and Lauren Tomlin in 2019, For Others operates in the belief that all individuals deserve a safe and secure home. For Others strives to prevent vulnerable children from being placed into the foster care system and offers aid and services to help restore the lives of those already in the system. To do this, For Others focuses on creating relational permanency through reunification, adoption, and mentorship. So far, For Others has helped deliver over $40 million to those affected by foster care in the United States. In 2023, For Others will help to prevent more than 90,000 children from being placed into the foster care system; support more than 30,000 families who are currently in the foster care space through counseling and wrap-around care; work to connect 800-1,000 young adults who are aging out of the foster care system be connected to mentoring families; and help to fund nearly 1,000 adoptions.

“This is so much more than a regular concert tour,” says David Nasser, President of For Others. “Vulnerable children in each of the 27 cities we visit will benefit for years to come. We’re thrilled to see the impact of these gatherings go beyond a single night of music.”

As one of the most recognized apparel brands in the world, Jockey has been providing comfort and care to generations of families for more than 145 years. As a third-generation, family-owned company, Jockey believes that family is everything, and giving back and supporting families is woven into the fabric of the company. That belief and a legacy touched by the personal adoption story of its CEO and Chairman, Debra S. Waller, who was adopted as an infant, led Waller to start the Jockey Being Family Foundation by helping adoptive families stay together forever by raising awareness, funding, and support for post-adoption services. The Foundation believes every child deserves to grow up with a loving family in a forever home.

“Through Jockey Being Family, we are dedicated to supporting and strengthening foster and adoptive families on their journeys, so they can stay together forever,” said Jake McGhee, VP and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Jockey. “And that’s why partnering with For Others Collective makes so much sense; two like-minded organizations coming together to help children and families, forging a movement that can have a substantial impact.”

Premier Productions is the national tour promoter.

2023 “Stories Of Worship Tour”

Longtime artist manager at Triple 8 Management, with more than a decade’s experience, Samantha Steele now rises to Chief Operating Officer, helping lead a team of 30 managers, marketing, radio and partnership professionals. In the role, she oversees operations, promoting positive company culture and vision, as well as solutions for internal communications and growth potential for both employees and clients.

“Sam Steele is a diamond,” notes client Drew Holcomb. “She has the rare capacity to effectively dream and execute a vision for her clients, while maintaining kindness and humanity in the process. Her promotion to COO is the least surprising news I have heard in years. I’m very proud to have Sam in my corner.”

“I’ve never met anyone like Sam Steele,” adds Ellie Holcomb. “She has the unique ability of both running a business with tenacity and integrity while also building community wherever she goes. Sam makes her clients and everyone who surrounds them feel seen, heard and taken care of. She’s a hospitality queen, a dream catcher, a team builder, and her promotion to COO makes all the sense in the world. I’m deeply grateful to have partnered and worked alongside Sam all of these years. She makes everything better.”

Steele first entered the music industry in 2008 via street team management and marketing before becoming General Manager at Good Time Inc. in 2010, which would later be acquired by Triple 8 Management in 2017.

Under her management, Steele has worked with Ellie Holcomb for her entire solo career, during which time Holcomb has sold more than 300,000 records and published four books, her first being awarded the ECPA Bronze Award for sales of over 100,000 units. In total, Holcomb has sold more than 300,000 books under the guidance of Steele. She was also Creative Producer on the shoot for Holcomb’s CANYON album, which won the GMA Dove Award for Album Packaging of the Year. Steele has also worked with Drew Holcomb as he has sold more than 350,000 albums and was dubbed “One of Americana’s Most Popular Stars” by Rolling Stone.

Additionally, she co-founded and produced Moon River Music Festival alongside Drew Holcomb and Triple 8’s Executive Partner, Paul Steele. Since its inception, the event has grown into a 12,000-capacity festival in Chattanooga and is now partnered with Live Nation / C3 Presents while supporting the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“We want strong interconnectedness among everyone at Triple 8, and a working environment where people feel supported, inspired and that they’re never alone. Sam has a great history successfully managing and marketing artists and projects,” shares CEO/Founder George Couri. “This, when combined with caring for others, the company, and for the work we provide our clients, makes her, as COO, an important person to help us reinforce these core values.”

“I can’t express enough how excited I am about Sam’s promotion to COO,” shares Chief Financial Officer Christina Egan. “She loves her work family and has a distinct talent for identifying needs and formulating solutions that help keep our team members supported and connected to one another. I’m so grateful for her leadership as well as her friendship, and it is a true pleasure to welcome her to the C Suite!”

While growing her career in the music industry, Steele has continually paid it forward through the years, serving multiple non-profits through financial donations and community service. With a primary focus of aiding children, Steele has generously contributed her efforts toward such organizations as IJM, Compassion International, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, St. Jude, Outdoor Chattanooga, Mercy Multiplied, Last Minute Toy Store and American Red Cross

RCA Inspiration congratulates the latest win for the hit album release of Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), as the acclaimed collaboration from chart-toppers Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) was just announced among the early winners unveiled for this year’s 54th NAACP Image Awards.

Winning in the category of Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album, their NAACP Image Awards win was announced on the show’s virtual awards first night that streamed on https://naacpimageawards.net/ on February 20th, with the winners unveiled in many of the music recording categories.

The week-long NAACP Image Awards celebration will continue to unveil more winners, honoring the achievements and legacy of Black excellence spanning the categories of film, television, music, literature, activism and more.

The NAACP Image Awards win for Kingdom Book One follows the album’s most recent wins at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards that took place February 5th, where the album and two featured songs garnered 3 GRAMMY Awards.

Released in 2022, the live album project with Kirk Franklin and the group Maverick City Music was recorded together with the voices of 1,300 inmates in a Florida prison yard, bringing awareness to mass incarceration, and sharing in the power of experiencing God’s love, finding comfort and healing.

The Awakening Foundation, powered by Awakening Events, announces that in just five days, all tickets for the 3rd Annual K-LOVE Presents Live at Red Rocks have sold out. This is the second fastest Christian music event to sell out at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre located in Morrison, Colorado, just outside of Denver.

The first night, which sold out in just 72 hours, will feature Zach Williams, We The Kingdom, CAIN, Anne Wilson,  Blessing Offor, and Hope Darst. The second evening, selling out in five days, has MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Unspoken, Ryan Stevenson, and Jon Reddick. The event is supported by Altrua HealthShare and World Vision.

“Every year we look forward to our annual Red Rocks concerts and events, and we’re thrilled to share both nights are sold out,” exclaims Dan Fife, President and Founder of Awakening Events, Inc. “The first night sold out in a record 72 hours, the fastest-selling night ever of the two-day event. 

This is also CCM’s second fastest-selling Red Rocks show, with only Third Day’s final Farewell Tour stop in 2018 reaching a quicker sell-out. Many folks in the industry believe shows automatically sell out at this historic venue since it’s the best outdoor theater in the world, but they have many shows and events there each year that don’t sell-out. I am so proud of our team and all of the strategy and work they put in every single day to make this happen.”

Additionally, Awakening Foundation, along with its partners K-LOVE Radio and Altrua HealthShare, continue to build on its history of giving back. At last year’s event, they donated $20,000 locally through the Salvation Army to address food insecurity in the state.

In 2023, The Awakening Foundation is committed to investing more than $200,000 to meet needs in local communities nationwide at their concerts and events.

For more information on K-LOVE Presents Live At Red Rocks, please visit AwakeningEvents.com or KLOVE.com.

The Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA) is hosting its 97th annual convention at the Henderson Beach Resort complex in Destin, FL, from February 27 through March 2, 2023.  “My goal is to build upon the CMPA’s rich history by expanding our community with greater diversity,” says Bryant Scott who was elected CMPA President last year.

“That diversity means more women-led companies, more minority-led companies, and more foreign-led music publishing companies because this is an international organization with music that literally reaches all over the world. So, we’re coming together to share what’s been working, look at new innovations in publishing administration, and look at what’s on our collective horizon.”

This year’s convention will reflect that diversity with a wide range of influential music industry executives: Kris Ahrend (Mechanical Licensing Collective), Michael Collins (BMI), Todd Dupler (The Recording Academy), Phillip Edwards (MultiTracks.com), Kathy Fernandes (J.W. Pepper), Mitch Glazier (Recording Industry Association of America).

Malcolm Hawker (SESAC), Bart Herbison (Nashville Songwriters Association), Mike Huppe (Sound Exchange), David Israelite (National Music Publishers Association), Don Jackson (Stellar TV), Pastor Brian Johnson (Bethel Music), Garrett Levin (Digital Media Association), Matt McCoy (Loop Community), John Milazo (Domtar), Jackie Patillo (Gospel Music Association), Brian C. Roberts (ASCAP), Leslie Roberts (BMI), George Ross (CCLI), and Nate Scott (CCLI).

Entertainment for the convention will be provided by Stellar Award-nominated singer/bassist, Jason Nelson, who’s best-known for Billboard No. 1 radio hits such as “Forever” and “Residue”; the Hymns Professor, Bishop Leonard Scott, who’s racked up over 25 million streams for his traditional recordings; and singing-songwriting collective known as Writing Rounds Worship.

The CMPA was founded in 1926. It’s an alliance of over 60 Christian publishing entities that represent songs and music catalogs from across the globe. They share timely information on the ever-changing aspects of copyright law and publishing administration.

The works range from modern favorites such as Chris Tomlin’s “Good Good Father” to vintage compositions such as Andrae Crouch’s 1964 anthem, “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”

The diverse group of firms represents almost every major church denomination. Some of the members include Capitol CMG Publishing, Curb/Word Entertainment, Gaither Music Company, Hillsong Music Publishing, and Maverick City Music, among others.

Tia McGraff is a multi-talented, award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, author and podcast host from Southern Ontario, Canada. Along with her husband and co-writer Tommy Parham, the skilled songstress has been making impactful and thought-provoking art for well over a decade.

Bringing together a burning passion for the art of music and an honesty that is long lost on today’s modern charts, Tia McGraff is a trailblazer in her genre; one whose efforts have made her a beloved figure on the international music scene.
With the September 3rd release of her latest EP “With Love,” Ontario-based folk singer songwriter Tia McGraff has proven that she’s in top form. The first single, “Go Your Own Way” reached the iTunes country songs chart Top 15, amassing 37K Spotify streams.

It won 2021 Posi Empower Award for Social Justice. Meanwhile, another track from the EP“Nighthawk” was awarded a 2022 Posi Empower Award for Peace. All totaled, songs from “With Love” have gained well over 100K Spotify streams, in less than 3 months of release.

Hi Tia! It’s quite an honor to talk to you today. What’s new in your world?
Thank you for the beautiful opportunity to share my story today. Well, that’s a great question. It seems, “reinventing the wheel’ is the new norm in the music industry these days. But how exciting! My husband, Tommy Parham, and I are enjoying being back up on stage performing for our fans again.

And instead of hitting the road again aggressively, we’re taking our time ‘dipping our toes in the water.’It seems to be working. Our fans are loving our performances and we’re having so much fun sharing our new EP with them. I’m also writing my next Jake The Road Dawg children’s book and we are excited to be planning some wonderful showcase opportunities.

You’re widely known as a folk/American singer, but you’ve also recorded some gospel-themed music. How important is your faith to you?

Whether I’m performing/songwriting/recording, I know who I am doing this for. God! My audience of 1! There is no other way. For me, God is my purpose and strength. The only way that after 30 years in the music industry, I am blessed to still be able to create and share the healing gift of music.

Tommy and I are currently putting together an Inspirational/ Gospel EP of songs we have written and recorded and are so excited to be attending some great gospel showcase events this spring/summer.

What do you feel are your strengths as a singer?

I began singing in theatre and had the opportunity to mentor some amazing vocal coaches here in Ontario. The technique I learned has sustained my voice. My voice is an instrument of God. I find my strength in that knowledge.

What about your weaknesses?
I tend to fall into the trap of comparison too often and overthink my studio performances. Tommy will remind me to be myself and just sing!

What motivates you to make music?
I still have songs to write, stories to tell, and audiences around the world who need the healing power of music. As long as God continues to open doors for Tommy and me, we’ll walk through them.

You’ve had many high points in your career, so far. What was the biggest thing that has happened, and how did it make you feel?
Moving to Nashville and meeting my husband, Tommy Parham is the biggest gift I’ve received not only in music but in my life. Changed everything in my life. Each time, I’m on stage and look over at Tommy next to me, playing his beautiful guitar, and singing his wonderful harmonies, I’m struck with amazement. What a life I’ve been blessed to live. What a calling!

We’ve heard about a new book-related recording that you’re preparing for release. When do you think you’ll have that ready?
I’m currently finishing the manuscript for my new Jake The Road Dawg book! I’m hoping to have it set for release this summer/ fall with a book tour.

Tell me about your favorite performance in your career.

That’s a difficult question to answer. I have so many beautiful memories of performances around the world, and people I’ve met. There have been times when someone in the audience has told us that one of our songs has literally saved his life, or one couple said they used our song in their marriage therapy sessions.

Recently, we had the opportunity to perform a concert to raise money for our local hospital. The turnout was overwhelming. We had kids on stage with us. And my family sitting in the front row, watching, and smiling. It was beautiful.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Every day we get to wake up and make music is a great day to be alive!

What’s up next for you?
Finishing my book, booking more events, writing and recording more songs, and enjoying life one day at a time. Trying not to get in God’s way.

Any words of advice or last words for your fans?
Thank you! I am so completely overwhelmed with gratitude for your love and support all these years. I wish you peace, health, joy, and love! See you down the trail.

Thanks for taking the time!
Thank you! Have a crazy beautiful day.

Jody And Lani “Clear The Way” With Powerful Worship Anthem For The Church

Worship leaders Jody and Lani release their second single, “Clear The Way,” on Feb 24. The simple phrase progressed from a sermon note to a prayer, to a song written in a castle in Scotland.

Lani co-wrote the song with Amanda Blankenship and Emily Weeks on a trip to Scotland with Brave Worship and Ray Hughes. While learning the area’s history of revival, the writers were struck by the story of The Covenanters who boldly stood for their beliefs and fought for religious freedom while facing persecution, imprisonment, and death.

Their courage and influence cleared the way for our religious freedom to be established in America. The song ties together the past and the present as a prayer for God to clear the way for us to accomplish our Kingdom purposes today.

“Clear The Way” has been sung in churches, events, and other countries. “We love leading this song because people catch the melody so quickly and the words are so powerful.” Lani said, “It is so unifying to sing the lyrics: When the enemy surrounds us, we’ll remember what You’ve promised We will claim the victory though we cannot see ‘cause our God is able

Jody and Lani collaborated with many worship leaders who appear as background vocalists in the recording. “We can’t wait to see how God continues to use this song,” said Jody who recorded, produced, and mixed the song along with a friend, Josh Anderson.

As more people discover the song, Jody and Lani truly hope listeners will find themselves singing along as a prayer for breakthrough and revival over their own circumstances, community, and the Church.

About Jody and Lani

Jody and Lani Crump are worship leaders and songwriters. Jody was a member of the band Pocket Full of Rocks and has recorded and toured many Christian bands. Lani has a background working in the music industry and a bachelor’s degree in music.

They have spent the past 10 years leading worship together for their local church and writing songs that encourage people to connect with God through authentic worship. They are married with three children and recently relocated from Nashville, TN to Texarkana, TX.