In response to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, charities LICC and Bible Society are releasing ‘Tears and Celebration’, a new hymn featuring world-renowned mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, written by Andy Flannagan with Sam Hargreaves. ‘Tears and Celebration’ is a new hymn for the UK and Commonwealth. It is a song of remembrance, assurance, and repentance, giving voice to the hearts and minds of people all over the world. An abridged version was broadcast on BBC1’s Songs of Praise on Sunday 11 September.
The words were written by Andy Flannagan, aided by Sam Hargreaves, to the well-known tune of ‘Dim Ond Iesu’, best known as the melody to ‘Here is Love Vast as the Ocean’. They offer words to help people give thanks for the Queen’s example and faith: “As he takes her to his promise of an audience with the King, we remember all she gave us, wreaths of gratitude we bring.” They also speak of the Queen’s powerful example of discipleship: “Humble, kind and fair, swift to pray and slow to anger, choosing faith and not despair.” And they pray each of us will be able to make a difference through Christ in the same way: “May we know that same anointing, move in royal authority, then speak liberty and healing to a world in need of peace.”
These lyrics quickly captured many hearts and minds, and on 9 September, Katherine was asked to record the song and music video with pianist and producer Mark Edwards providing the arrangement and film-maker Andy Hutchison directing the video.
“For any of us, the death of a loved one often ushers in a time of questioning and instability,” said Andy Flannagan. “I felt this would be the same for our nation following the Queen’s passing, so wanted to write something to help folks process and pray. As I sat at my piano, the beautiful old tune of the Welsh revival merged with new words for this moment that just seemed to flood out – words that invite us to participate, not just commentate. I hope they’re useful.”
The song is available on all streaming services, and a music video recorded at beautiful Wiston House Chapel in Sussex can be viewed above.
Multi-GRAMMY-winning and multi-Platinum selling band Third Day celebrates the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, which has become fondly known as the “bus album.” In honor of this anniversary, Provident Label Group/Sony Legacy will re-release the band’s debut album including live tracks that span the early Third Day years captured at various locations. Third Day 25th Anniversary will release on October 21st on all platforms.
“Time flies when you’re having fun,” shares Third Day frontman Mac Powell. “Can’t believe the “bus album” Is over 25 years old now. I still get requests live for so many songs from that album and always love revisiting them!”
The band’s self-titled debut is an RIAA Gold Certified album and featured the band’s first No.1 radio singles including “Forever,” “Blackbird” and “Nothing at All.” This album became the catalyst for the band’s incredible career that would label them as one of the best faith-based bands in history. Third Day wrapped up their historical run together during their sold-out 2018 Farewell Tour, which is all the more reason to make this anniversary release a nostalgic and anticipated project for the band’s fans.
Third Day’s Mark Lee adds, “Has it really been 25 years already? It feels like just yesterday we hit the road in our van to play these songs, hoping to make some fans along the way. All these years later and this album has become a treasured friend for band and fans alike. We are so excited to mark this occasion by releasing a special edition of the “bus record” on vinyl, along with some exclusive live versions of these classic songs.”
Today fans can pre-order the anniversary edition on double vinyl, CD (original release) or cassette tape (original release). In addition, fans can grab exclusive merch available now. Click here to pre-order and check out the merch.
Third Day 25th Anniversary Edition Track Listing
1. Nothing At All 2. Forever 3. Mama 4. Love Song 5. Blackbird 6. Thief 7. Consuming Fire 8. Did You Mean It 9. Holy Spirit 10 Livin’ For Jesus 11. Take My Life 12. Praise Song 13. Nothing At All (Rock Radio Mix 1996) 14. Consuming Fire (Live in Louisville, KY 2004) 15. Forever (Live in St. Louis, MO 1998) 16. Did You Mean It/Mama (Live in Nashville, TN 1996) 17. Solid Rock (Live in Boca Raton, FL 1996) 18. Thief (Live in Denver, CO 2018 Farewell Tour) 19. Love Song (Live in St. Louis, MO 1998) 20. Blackbird (Live in St. Louis, MO 1998) 21. Nothing At All (2007 Mix) 22. Forever (2007 Mix) 23. Consuming Fire (2007 Mix) 24. Thief (2006 Studio Recording) 25. Take My Life (Live in Elmira, NY 2002)
The Christian music group, Newsboys, is releasing a deluxe edition of their album, STAND on September 23, 2022. In this edition, the beloved group serves up three new recordings, elevating the album to a full 14 tracks. “King of Kings,” which features MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, adds a moment of praise and adoration to the collection. Lead singer, Michael Tait, who co-penned all ten songs on the original release, has added two more originals here on the extended release, “Jesus Did,” and “All Things Are Possible”. Additionally, STAND (Deluxe) includes an acoustic version of “I Still Believe You’re Good” and a fresh take on the title-cut that features Tait’s former dcTalk bandmate, TobyMac.
Current band members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Jody Davis, began to assemble the album in 2020, with the intention of leaving no doubt as to who they are and what they believe. The result is STAND, one of the most thoughtfully-crafted releases of their career and a project that marks the band’s return to their original label home, Capitol CMG.
Written, recorded, and released during the extended time spent at home in 2020, Newsboys sought to craft a record that was the antithesis of one of the most confusing seasons of their careers. While STAND is their response to the questions raised over the past few years, melodically, it’s filled with bright sonic textures and arena-ready anthems—poised for their live shows. The group recently announced their “Stand Together Tour” with special guests Cochren & Co., Adam Agee, and Jeremy Rosado. Set to kick off October 6th in Champaign, IL, the tour will also make stops in Missouri, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas throughout the fall. Recently, the music video for their single, “Magnetic”, was nominated for a Dove Award.
Renowned for their impassioned interpretations of timeless hymns and classic songs of faith, 11-time GMA Dove Award-winning vocal trio Selah is celebrating 25 years in Christian music with the release of two highly anticipated full-length recordings this fall.
Adding to an unparalleled discography showcasing Selah’s signature take on some of the most popular Inspirational songs of all time, Greatest Hymns Vol. 3 bows October 14 alongside At This Table: A Christmas Album. Both projects—releasing via the group’s label, 3Cre8tive—will be available exclusively at national retail with various singles slated for digital release.
Greatest Hymns Vol. 3 Selah’s third Greatest Hymns compilation delivers 13 piano-driven arrangements of genre-spanning favorites. Produced by Jason Kyle Saetveit, the album features such Sunday morning standards as “Blessed Assurance” and “Oh, How I Love Jesus”; an emotive new rendition of the iconic Imperials/Russ Taff anthem “Praise The Lord”; and the “Twila Paris Medley,” a tribute to one of Christian music’s seminal worship singer/songwriters. The project’s forthcoming single, “Put Your Hand In The Hand,” a rootsy, blues-infused cover of the 1970s pop-gospel classic, is slated to hit streaming platforms September 30.
“I am so excited about both projects we’re releasing this year, but the hymns album is especially close to my heart,” shares Selah’s Allan Hall. “It harkens back to the spirit of our very first album, Be Still My Soul, which was filled with hymns and classics set to simple piano/vocal arrangements. We wanted to involve our fans in selecting the songs this time around, so after receiving thousands of responses with many wonderful suggestions, we narrowed it down to the most requested songs and got to work. I’m pleased with how the project has turned out, and I truly hope our fans enjoy it. This album was made for them with much thought, care, and love.”
At This Table: A Christmas Album Continuing a milestone year, Selah is also set to release At This Table: A Christmas Album October 14—their first new holiday recording since the 2002 classic Rose Of Bethlehem. Showcasing a range of modern and traditional songs of the season, the 10-song set was produced by Jason Kyle Saetveit and Chris Bevins. The lushly orchestrated title-cut—co-penned and originally recorded by stage and screen star Idina Menzel—encapsulates the album’s theme, welcoming listeners into a poignantly reflective Christmas collection. The song will be available on streaming platforms November 4.
“I first heard ‘At This Table’ in a coffee shop and it stopped me in my tracks,” remembers Selah’s Amy Perry. “It so resonated with me because I’m from a large family with several siblings adopted through the foster care system—and now my own family is on a foster care journey as well. No family sees eye-to-eye all the time, but my parents were adamant that no matter the differences, their home and hearts were always open to us. That’s a picture of how Jesus feels about us, too. No matter the circumstance, we are always welcome at His table.”
Additional highlights of At This Table include the sacred carols “Away In A Manger (Sweet Melody)”; “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear”; and “The First Noel,” as well as such contemporary Christmas tracks as “The Night That Love Was Born” and “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”
Selah – 25 Years Since the release of their watershed debut, Be Still My Soul, Selah has become one of the most beloved groups in Christian music with more than 750 million streams and over 4 million albums sold. The trio’s genre-spanning renditions of cherished hymns and Inspirational classics, as well as their signature originals, have been beacons of hope and healing to listeners around the world for 25 years.
“There have been many highlights in our career so far, including performing at Carnegie Hall; singing at the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon after September 11, 2001; making our debut on the Grand Ole Opry; and headlining the historic Ryman Auditorium,” says Selah’s Todd Smith. “However, the stories of how God has spoken to others through our music mean the most to us.”
“We received a letter from a lady recounting a dark moment when she felt she had nothing to live for and was on the verge of ending her life with a handful of pills,” Smith shares. “She cried out to God and said, ‘Jesus, if You are there and if You care, will You show me?’ Her clock-radio alarm suddenly switched on, tuned to a Christian radio station she’d never listened to. Our song ‘Press On’ was playing. ‘When the valley is deep/When the mountain is steep/When the body is weary…In Jesus’ name, we press on…We find the strength to press on.’ In that moment she put down the pills. I’m so grateful that God has used us in His story for the past 25 years.”
Selah’s iconic anthems include “You Raise Me Up,” “Press On,” “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” and the multi-week #1 hit, “You Amaze Us,” among numerous others. Comprised of Todd Smith, Allan Hall and Amy Perry, the group has garnered 11 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards—including seven Inspirational Album of the Year trophies—two Gold-certified albums, and eight #1 singles to date.
for KING & COUNTRY brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone join Country Faith Radio with Hillary Scott in studio to share their inspiring journey. From their youth in Australia, to overcoming family hardship upon arrival in the States, the duo recalls impactful life experiences that influenced collaborations with Dolly Parton and Hillary Scott. Listen to the episode in full anytime on-demand at apple.co/_CountryFaith.
Joel Reveals His Family is Working on a Film About His Parents Migration Story We’ve been doing a deep dive because not only has mom written an autobiographical book from her perspective, called Behind the Lights, we’ve actually put together a documentary, but we’re also working on a feature film of our parents’ epic, tragic, faith-filled migration from Australia to the United States in the early ’90s. So it’s a ’90 film. It’s all the chaos of the ’90s. It’s the chaos of Australians getting dropped into not just America, but into the American South. So we’ve been working with screenwriters and producers. We’re going into production in October. So, got offers out to actors and the whole thing. The clincher is that I’m actually going to play dad in the film. So, talk about a family enmeshment. And for those of you who don’t know again, our dad is, he’s the silent third member of for KING & COUNTRY. He owns the band with Luke and I. He’s our manager and has got 50 years of musical experience under his belt, both in Australia and the United States.
Joel Shares His Family’s Migration Story from Australia to the US We were wee lads, but Dad was a promoter in Australia. He’s always been a bit of a salesman, marketing, promoter type. So he’d bring over Amy Grant and Stryper and White Heart and Petra, the whole thing. Our first memories were looking at vinyl records, going to shows, and that’s where really we fell in love with music. Well, he lost a half a million dollars on a tour that went sideways. It’s a small music industry in America, but it’s even smaller in Australia, so he was disgraced. Came to America with mom, six kids, one on the way, in the early ’90s to start over again. We did whatever we could to put food back on the table as a family. It really knit us together as a family. We also would circle up and we would just pray for everything. We didn’t have a car, we didn’t have furniture, we didn’t have insurance. We just saw God miraculously bring all of these things to fruition. It was an incredible walk of faith. That’s really what launched our sister, Rebecca St. James, into music. Dad needed cheap labor. He saw he had five sons. We became the crew on the road, and really, again, that’s where Luke and I respectively fell in love with music behind the scenes.
Hillary Scott Discusses Growing Up Traveling on a Tour Bus with Her Parents Because of my story, because of my mom and dad moving to Nashville from their hometowns, my mom’s career taking off. I was driver side, bottom bunk. Kindergarten and first grade, I was homeschooled. Lived on the bus. But it’s so amazing to sit here with two individuals that have that shared experience because it’s just been such an interesting head scratcher when I would talk to friends. Like, “what was it like for you in Kindergarten?” And I was like, “Well, I lived on a bus.” And it’s just such a fascinating, very unconventional way to grow up. My parents ended up touring as a backing band with Reba [McEntire] from the time I was five or six to 13. So those years weren’t the same for me with traveling touring wise. But you don’t forget it. And I feel like it imprints on your heart and on your creative being.
Renowned singer, songwriter and worship leader Phil Wickham achieves his third consecutive No. 1 as “Hymn of Heaven” crests the summit of both Billboard’s National Christian Audience chart and the Mediabase Christian AC chart for the week of 8/29. The milestone follows chart-topping hits “Battle Belongs” and “House of the Lord,” both of which led five different Christian charts for multiple weeks. All three songs hail from Wickham’s eighth studio effort, Hymn of Heaven.
“It’s amazing to see ‘Hymn of Heaven’ hit No. 1 at Christian radio this week! What a joy and honor it is to carry songs like these that are so full of life and hope in Jesus,” Wickham says of the reverent single he co-penned with Brian Johnson, Bill Johnson and Chris Davenport. “Thanks to everyone who has been listening and singing along, and thanks to all of the radio stations for partnering with me and playing this song over the radio waves!”
The sacred “Hymn of Heaven” is the title-cut of Wickham’s latest album, which has amassed more than 350 million streams in the U.S. alone and remains a top-selling release since it bowed in 2021. Moreover, additional selections from the project, “Battle Belongs” and “House of the Lord,” continue to hold steady in the Top 15 of CCLI’s Top 100. Earlier this year, in support of the record, Wickham launched a 32-city tour, which spawned a record number of sold-out shows and saw more than 75,000 people in attendance.
Hymn of Heaven and Wickham were further honored with six nominations for the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, including nods for Song of the Year (“House of the Lord”), Songwriter of the Year (Artist), Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (“House of the Lord”), Worship Recorded Song of the Year (“Hymn of Heaven”) and Worship Album of the Year (Hymn of Heaven). Wickham also received an additional nomination for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year as a writer on “I’ve Got Joy,” recorded by CeCe Winans. This year’s Dove Awards ceremony, hosted by Chris Tomlin and Erica Campbell, is set to take place at Nashville’s Allen Arena on Oct. 18, 2022, and will air exclusively on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) Oct. 21, 2022, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST.
This fall, the So Cal native will debut his first devotional in partnership with K-LOVE Books, On Our Knees: 40 Days to Living Boldly in Prayer, on Sept. 27, 2022. Fans who pre-order the title HERE can reserve their spot to attend Wickham’s virtual launch party.
Wickham will cap the year with select “BEHOLD CHRISTMAS NIGHTS,” alongside special guest Anne Wilson, and is slated to reprise his popular “Singalong Tour” in 2023.
The Awakening Foundation is proud to announce a Night of Worship & Ministry featuring Bethel Music x Brooke Ligertwood. Coming to The Fisher Center at Belmont University on Friday, October 21, tickets for this powerful night of music will go on sale this Friday, September 16 at 10am CT. Visit AwakeningFoundation.com for tickets.
Attendees will experience an evening of amazing worship with Bethel Music’s Brian & Jenn Johnson, Josh Baldwin, and John Wilds with very special guest Brooke Ligertwood. Tickets start at only $25.75 and are expected to sell quickly for this limited-capacity event. Click HERE for more information.
“Bethel Music is more than a collective of musicians, it’s a worship movement, and we are thrilled to be part of bringing that movement to the Music City this October,” shares Curtis Pinkerton, Director of Marketing, Awakening Events.
The Bethel Music team adds, “We’re excited to announce that we are teaming up with our good friend, Brooke Ligertwood, for a special Night of Worship and Ministry on Friday, October 21st at the stunning Fisher Center in Nashville. Brian & Jenn Johnson along with Josh Baldwin and John Wilds will be with us. Join us as we go after the presence of God together with friends and family.”
Red Street Records announces that label co-founder, songwriter, and producer Don Koch has received yet another GMA Dove Award nomination. Koch is recognized for writing “Child Of The King,” which he co-wrote with Dave Clark and Joseph Hadebank, who also recorded the song, nominated for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for the upcoming 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards.
In his illustrious career, Koch has won six GMA Dove Awards: Song Of The Year (1994, “In Christ Alone”), Inspirational Recorded Song Of The Year (1993 and 2006, “In Christ Alone”; 1999, “Adonai”), and Inspirational Album Of The Year (1994’s The Season Of Love by 4Him; 1993’s Generation To Generation by Benson Family of Artists).
Don Koch shares, “I am very excited to be nominated alongside two other amazing songwriters, Dave Clark and Joseph Habedank. It is an honor to share this nomination with them.”
While Don Koch currently serves as Executive VP of Creative (A&R/Publishing) at Red Street Records, which he co-founded with Jay DeMarcus, he is currently fighting a battle against cancer. Koch was celebrated last month for his 36+ years of work in the industry at a benefit held in his honor at The Bluebird Cafe. Artists such as Charles Billingsley, Greg Long, Jody McBrayer, and many others attended to share their fondest Don Koch songs and stories. Find out more about how you can help HERE.
With one push of a button it’s official, Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands submitted an application to the Grammy nomination committee for their album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Gospel Roots Album category. A win would make the TSU marching band the first collegiate band in history to receive the music industry’s highest honor for an entire album! Band members were on hand for the big submission as fellow band member Logyn Rylander, a senior commercial music major from Philadelphia, PA, did the honors of hitting the send button to submit the application. The Urban Hymnal is set for release later this month (Sept 13).
“This is huge and very exciting for our students, band members and for Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands for TSU.
“None of this would be possible without the leadership of University President Glenda Glover. We especially thank her for being a visionary and allowing our band program to grown within her vision for the TSU.”
Award winning poet, recording artist J. Ivy and two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist were present as a show of support and contributors on the album. The groundbreaking album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created on the TSU campus and features trailblazers within the gospel music industry. Music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more are on the album. Executive producers Larry Jenkins, assistant band director and music heavy weights two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, and platinum recording artist, TSU alum Dubba-AA were also hand for the submission. Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin is also an executive producer on the project.
GRAMMY Nominated, internationally renowned artist collective Bethel Music has released the track list for their much-anticipated upcoming album, Simple. The eleven-song offering seeks to be a reminder to appreciate the little things in life despite all the noise in the world.
It also demonstrates that worship does not need to be complicated, it can be as simple as taking a moment to acknowledge and thank God for the moments we are given. Simple will be available on September 23rd and is now available for pre-save/pre-add HERE.
In addition to announcing the official track list for Simple, Bethel Music has released a second single from the album, “Tend.” The delicate track, led by Emmy Rose, speaks to God’s ability to put us through challenges to prune us and mature us in order to usher in a season of fruitfulness. Listen to “Tend” HERE.
Tend – Bethel Music Ft. Emmy Rose
Simple Tracklist
“The Blood” led by Jenn Johnson feat. Mitch Wong
“Tend” led by Emmy Rose
“Let My Life Be Worship” led by Jenn Johnson and Michaela Gentile
“In The Ordinary (Spontaneous)” led by Jenn Johnson feat. Michaela Gentile
“Our Jesus” led by David Funk
“Stand In Awe” led by Paul McClure and Hannah McClure
“I Still Believe” led by Brian Johnson
“Jesus My King” feat. Zach Vestnys and Abby Vestnys
