Curb Records artist Natalie Grant and her husband, GRAMMY-award winning songwriter and producer Bernie Herms, attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa, Canada, yesterday morning 5/7. As the theme of the breakfast was “bridge over troubled waters,” Grant was invited to perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which she recorded for her most recent album, Seasons. She also performed the classic hymn, “It Is Well.”

“I was so honored to sing for the Canadian National Prayer Breakfast and the Prime Minister of Canada,” shares Grant. “This was uniquely special for me as I performed with my husband, who is a proud Canadian. This is a moment we won’t soon forget.”

The purpose of the National Prayer Breakfast is to unite leaders in the Canadian capital in order to pray together, build relationships, and seek to walk together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual Christian event and is historically offered under the auspices of the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons on behalf of the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast Group.

Grant and Herms also attended the Leadership Dinner, which took place the night before the National Prayer Breakfast, on 5/6. Politicians, pastors, and Canadians from all walks of life gathered together in Ottawa in the spirit of unity and hope.

Zach McKenzie’s latest single, “The Day that I Found You,” is a heart-stirring masterpiece that resonates deeply with the soul. Born from the roots of McKenzie’s gospel and country background, the song is
a tender testament to love’s transformative power. With a voice that exudes warmth and sincerity, McKenzie delivers each line with a heartfelt earnestness that is both comforting and captivating.

The track opens with a gentle guitar melody that perfectly sets the stage for the emotive journey. McKenzie’s vocals are particularly striking, navigating the highs and lows of the melody with an impressive ease that speaks to his years of honing his craft in the vibrant music scenes of Nashville and Arkansas.

His ability to convey deep emotions through subtle vocal inflections is a highlight of this song, showcasing his evolution as an artist since his days on Arkansas Idol.

Lyrically, “The Day that I Found You” is beautifully crafted. Lines like “The day that I found you was the day my life got started” and “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me” are poignant and relatable,
resonating with anyone who has experienced the joy of finding love. The chorus is particularly memorable, likely to echo in the listener’s mind long after the song ends.

Zach McKenzie Stirs Hearts on Latest Single “The Day that I Found You”

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In addition to his musical talents, McKenzie’s diverse interests in filmmaking and his deep roots in his community add layers of authenticity and depth to his music. His songwriting reflects a maturity and a reflective quality that likely draws on his broader artistic and personal experiences.

Overall, “The Day that I Found You” is not just a song but an experience. It is a musical journey that celebrates love, life, and the joy of finding that special someone.

Zach McKenzie continues to impress with his versatility and depth as an artist, and this track is a compelling reminder of why he remains a beloved figure in the music industry. This song is sure to touch the hearts of many, further cementing McKenzie’s status as a rising star with a bright future ahead.

Richard Lynch’s “Grandpa and Grandma” is a deeply sentimental tribute that not only celebrates personal family history but also encapsulates the broader cultural heritage of Appalachian life. This single poignantly connects Richard’s musical roots with the foundational values of hard work, faith, and family—all pivotal elements in the Appalachian way of life. The narrative driven by Lynch’s genuine delivery and
evocative lyrics provides listeners with a window into a bygone era of simplicity and spiritual depth.

“Grandpa and Grandma” features traditional country instrumentation, aligning with Lynch’s established musical style. Expect the use of acoustic guitars, fiddle, and pedal steel guitar, creating a sound that’s both rustic and warmly familiar. The arrangement supports the storytelling nature of the song, allowing Lynch’s voice to carry the emotional weight of the lyrics while the instruments underscore the nostalgic feel.

The lyrics of the song are rich with imagery: an old mule pulling a plow, a couple kneeling in prayer, and the resilient spirit of a family striving to live within their means while keeping faith at the forefront. Lines like “I’m standing on the ground where my grandpa planted seeds” and “That old church floor was slanted, but every Sunday God shows up anyhow” are vivid and illustrative, painting a picture of a
life deeply connected to both land and faith.

This connection is further emphasized through the mention of the couple’s devotion to their community and country, reflecting the integral values that define Appalachian identity.

Exploring the Roots of Appalachia: Richard Lynch “Grandpa and Grandma”(single review)

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The song holds a special emotional weight as it was a favorite of Lynch’s late guitar player, Tim Bennington, adding a layer of personal loss and remembrance to its release. This aspect brings an additional layer of authenticity and poignancy to Lynch’s performance, knowing the song carries such personal significance.

Promoted to Christian radio, “Grandpa and Grandma” is set to resonate well with listeners who appreciate songs about faith, resilience, and the importance of roots. Its follow-up status to a #1 single suggests
that it’s expected to perform well, appealing to fans of traditional country music and those who seek music with a strong narrative and moral foundation.

With “Grandpa and Grandma,” Richard Lynch continues to establish himself as not just a musician, but a storyteller capable of capturing the essence of American life through song. His ability to weave personal and cultural histories into his music not only preserves these stories but also enriches the contemporary country music landscape. This track is likely to be appreciated by anyone who values the intersection of music, memory, and the enduring strength of family and faith.

This week the Gospel Music Association hosted the ceremonial construction kick-off of the brand-new Christian & Gospel Music Museum at The Dove Center. The Christian & Gospel Music Museum at The Dove Center’s location will be 400 Commerce Street in downtown Nashville.

Attending the event and providing special remarks included Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee and Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell showing their support for this historic moment. Dove Award and GRAMMY Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith and Dove Award-winning artist Jekalyn Carr provided special music.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to break ground on the new home for Christian & Gospel music right in the heart of Music City,” said Jackie Patillo, GMA President. “The opportunity to be a beacon of light here in Nashville and offer a place to fulfill our mission to expose, promote, and celebrate the Gospel is a big step forward.”

The Christian & Gospel Music Museum is set to open in Fall 2025 and will unite fans of Christian & Gospel music as an important addition to Nashville’s rich music history drawing visitors from around the world. The 11,000 sq. foot museum and Dove Center will be just steps away from the historic mother church, Ryman Auditorium.

The museum will feature state-of-the-art interactive displays celebrating today’s artists while looking to the horizon for tomorrow’s leaders and preserving the legacies of Christian & Gospel music’s trailblazers. The museum’s atmosphere will amplify the transforming message of the gospel while also telling the past and present story of Christian & Gospel music.

On Tuesday, 2x GRAMMY Award winning and multi-platinum selling vocal powerhouse Lauren Daigle took the stage at the Recording Academy’s annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards recognizing the contributions 9x GRAMMY Award winner Sheryl Crow has made to support music creators. 

Performing one of Crow’s chart-topping singles, “Soak Up the Sun,” Daigle dazzled an audience of nearly 300 Recording Academy members, industry leaders, and members of congress. Yesterday, Daigle took part in the annual GRAMMYs On the Hill Advocacy Day, Capitol Hill’s largest and most prestigious legislative event for music. 

As an Artist Advocate, Daigle convened with members of Congress to advance key issues that the Academy and its members continue to advocate for, including protecting the image, likeness and voice of individual creators from AI fakes through legislative measures such as the No AI FRAUD Act and the No FAKES Act discussion draft.

In addition, Daigle’s single, “Still Rolling Stones.” was officially certified Platinum. This marks her 9^th Platinum certified single and follows the recent 2x-Platinum certification of her 2018 album, Look Up Child, the 6x-Platinum certification of her breakout single, “You Say,” and the Gold certification of “Thank God I Do,” the lead single from her recently released self-titled album.

Lauren Daigle is a two-time Grammy, seven-time Billboard Music, four-time American Music, and twelve-time GMA Dove Music Award winner. Since the release of her GRAMMY® Award-winning, 2x platinum-certified 2018 album Look Up Child, which included the 6x platinum-certified hit “You Say,” Daigle has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts.

When Look Up Child debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Albums chart, Daigle became the first female artist in history to simultaneously hit the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Album charts.

Her recent GRAMMY Nominated and Mike Elizondo-produced, 23-song, self-titled album’s debut single, “Thank God I Do,” gave Daigle her 6^th Billboard No. 1 and was recently certified Gold. She’s garnered over a billion streams and wowed crowds for years with sold-out US and international tours. Daigle continues to cement her status as a modern vocal powerhouse with a huge global fanbase.

Off stage, Daigle remains committed to investing her time to promote music education, work with at-risk youth, and provide care for children, the elderly, and those in need through The Price Fund, an organization she founded in 2018. To date, she has distributed over $2.5 million to 42 nonprofits around the world.

Manitoba native, 2023 Juno Award recipient in an Album of the Year category, and 16-time GMA Covenant Award winner Jordan St. Cyr launches his sophomore album My Foundation on June 14, Father’s Day weekend, with its title track releasing to DSPs on May 10, Mother’s Day weekend.

My Foundation isn’t just the title of an album or a song though, it’s a revelation of St. Cyr’s way of life. “This album comes on the heels of a challenging season centered around my daughter Emery’s health,” says the 41-year-old husband to Heather and father of four: Aidan (13), Liam (11), Willa (9) and Emery (5).

“As a family we had to root down and lean into faith – our foundation,” he continues. “Emery was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome at birth (Nov. 2018) which developed into regular seizures as she continued to grow. When she was 4 years old, we moved to Nashville and connected with excellent doctors at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and our now-5-year-old baby girl has been seizure-free for over a year.”

A construction worker by trade, St. Cyr expressed his family’s journey of gratitude and faith through song, with the Biblical parable of the wise and foolish builders (found in Matthew) at the core of the album. “The fact my faith parallels my also being a builder; the song and album title were obvious choices.

Thinking back now, I recall my wife and I staying up night after night for weeks praying for Emery; I now rejoice for all the gifts He gave us through the process. This record is quite literally a statement of faith declaring not ‘what,’ but ‘Who’ my and my family’s lives are built upon.”

The record’s first single, “Rescue” (released April 14, 2023), is climbing radio charts stretching across the U.S. and Canada, currently at #15 on the Billboard Christian Airplay and in the Top 15 at Billboard AC Monitored charts and Mediabase.

“’Rescue’ was inspired by a two-week season where it felt like my family and I were being attacked on all sides,” he says. “It started with the news of Emery battling seizures and potentially having eye surgery, our oldest daughter breaking her leg, myself losing a record deal, our car breaking down twice, and all six of us getting food poisoning.

Life felt impossible but the promise of Jesus held true. When things got chaotic our rescue was His peace. He is the calm in the storm and his faithfulness never left us. Not even once.” 

My Foundation Track Listing:
1. To Save My Life (St. Cyr, Kyle Williams, Ethan Hulse)
2. My Foundation (St. Cyr, AJ Pruis, Matthew West)
3. Help (St. Cyr, Jonathan Gamble, Ben Tan)
4. The Promise (St. Cyr, AJ Pruis, Matthew West)
5. Rescue (St. Cyr, Jonathan Gamble, Justin Amundrud)
6. A Way For Us (St. Cyr, Brandon Heath, Christian Hale)
7. Something Greater (St. Cyr, Jeff Sojka, Ben Glover)
8. Easy (St. Cyr, Micah Kuiper, Benji Cowart)
9. Life Before You (St. Cyr, Jeff Sojka, Ben Glover)
10. Generation To Generation (St. Cyr, Mark Campbell, Tony Wood)
11. God Did A Good Thing (St. Cyr, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)

St. Cyr was recognized with additional five honors during 2023’s GMA Canada Covenant Awards, including Artist of the Year, making him the most-awarded artist for a second consecutive year.

With this momentum, St. Cyr is sought-after on the road in the U.S. and Canada. Having toured with artists including Mac Powell, Jeremy Camp, Anne Wilson, Colton Dixon, Crowder, Matt Maher and the K-LOVE Christmas Tour, St. Cyr will be embarking on Summer tour dates in June (dates and venues to be announced in coming weeks).

Kentucky Christian University (KCU) is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Summer Music Series, set to take place on-campus in The Nash Chapel. This event will become an annual tradition, captivating audiences throughout the months of June and July.

The Summer Music Series will kick off on June 21 at 7 pm with a performance by Jordan St. Cyr. As a two-time GMA Dove Nominee and GMA Canada Covenant Award Winner, St. Cyr has garnered acclaim for his soul-stirring songs, including “Weary Traveler,” “Fires,” and “Rescue.”

General admission tickets for this extraordinary evening are priced at $25, while VIP tickets, which include early admission, a meet and greet session, and reserved seats, are available for $45.

Continuing the series on July 26 at 7 pm, The Isaacs, a member of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry, will grace the stage. With an impressive 19 Dove Awards and three Grammy nominations under their belt, The Isaacs are renowned for their exceptional talent. General admission tickets for this remarkable performance are priced at $30, while VIP tickets can be purchased for $50.

To secure tickets for these unforgettable evenings, visit the KCU website at www.kcu.edu/summer-music-concert-series/. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the university’s ongoing initiatives.

“We are thrilled to bring the Summer Music Series to our community,” said Danny Stamper, KCU’s Director of Development. “This series not only provides exceptional, Christian entertainment but also serves as a vital fundraiser for our university. We invite everyone to join us for these incredible performances and help us continue to provide a transformative education to our students.”

Country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will release an updated version of his emotional and inspiring memoir – God, Family, Country – on May 7 in trade paperback. Co-written with Jim DeFelice, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper, the memoir details Craig’s road to success, from his humble childhood in Tennessee to his years as an elite military operative to his country music stardom with over 25 Billboard charting hits.

Touching, thrilling, and unflinchingly honest, Craig shares never-before-heard stories, like his covert operations with the CIA, his time as an undercover agent fighting sex traffickers in Thailand and his experiences competing in the survival TV series Beyond the Edge plus an epilogue detailing his recent return to service in the Army Reserve.

Country music fans and thrill seekers alike will love this intimate look at Craig’s remarkable life. Order God, Family, Country (Blackstone Publishing) 

Following his Opry appearance on release date (May 7), Craig will host a special post-show event for guests who purchase the book at the Opry Store at the Grand Ole Opry House. The first 200 ticketholders, joined by a ticketed guest, who purchase the book in the Opry Shop that evening will gain access to an exclusive celebration and acoustic performance with Craig directly following the show in the Opry House’s Studio A.

With touring season in full swing, Craig has a busy global concert schedule for 2024, including shows in South Africa and 6 dates on his inaugural “Redneck Yacht Club Tour.” Tickets for all shows are available at craigmorgan.com/tour-dates.

Updated Craig Morgan Memoir ‘God, Family, Country’ Releases May 7

Catch Craig Morgan in concert, including his inaugural “Redneck Yacht Club Tour”
5/3 – Kannapolis, NC
5/4 – Mount Vernon, KY
5/11 – Natchitoches, LA
5/17 – Barco, NC
5/18 – Roanoke Rapids, NC
5/31 – Gainesville, GA
6/1 – Georgiana, AL
6/2 Cincinnati, OH**
6/6 – Nashville, TN
6/7 Decatur, IL**
6/8 Rice Lake, WI**
6/20 – Colorado Springs, CO
6/21 – Mack, CO
6/22 – Denver, CO
6/28 – Rome City, IN
6/29 – Carterville, IL
6/30 – LaPorte, IN
7/4 – St. George, UT
7/5 – Fort McDowell, AZ
7/6 – Church Rock, NM
7/12 – Fort Laramie, OH
7/13 – Adel, IA
7/19 – Old Washington, OH
7/20 – Tuscumbia, AL
7/26 Lake Ozark, MO**
7/27 – Lafayette, IN
7/28 – Geneva, OH
8/2 – Rock Springs, WY
8/3 – Sterling, CO
8/10 – Shelby, NC
8/16 – Shakopee, MN
8/17 – East Grand Forks, MN
8/20 – Kennewick, WA
8/22 – Snoqualmie, WA
8/23 – Salem, OR
8/24 – Moscow, ID
8/29 – Ellensburg, WA
8/31 Rexford, MT**
9/1 – Colville, WA
9/6 – Dayton, TX**
9/7 – Grant, OK
9/14 – Albany, NY
9/20 – Richmond, MO
9/21 – Paxton, IL
9/28 – Elizabethtown, KY
10/11 – Destin, FL
10/24 – Cape Town, SA
10/27 – Cape Town, SA
*Dates subject to change, please check craigmorgan.com for the latest information
**Redneck Yacht Club Tour Dates

In addition to his service to our country in the Army Reserve, Morgan continues to release new music, including October’s Enlisted (Broken Bow Records). Just as the Army has called on Morgan, the Tennessee native has recruited some of his talented friends to contribute to his latest project, available now.

Appropriately titled Enlisted, the six-track release offers new takes on four of his biggest hits along with two new tracks and includes appearances by an all-star group of performers including Trace Adkins, Luke Combs, Gary LeVox, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, and Lainey Wilson.

Multi-Platinum and four-time GRAMMY Award-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) announced today their fall 2024 Unsung Hero tour.

“We’ve missed you, family. And WE’RE HITTING THE ROAD to see you across America this fall,” the duo shared in the tour announcement. “We’ll be playing all of your for KING + COUNTRY favorites, as well as a few from our new ‘Inspired By’ album across 31 cities on what may be our most audacious stage design we’ve ever done…it’s one you aren’t gonna want to miss.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 10 at 10AM local time with presale beginning Tuesday, May 7 at 10AM local time.

09.19 Evansville, IN
09.20 Milwaukee, WI
09.21 St. Louis, MO
09.22 Grand Rapids, MI
09.27 Omaha, NE
09.28 Rapid City, SD
09.29 Colorado Springs, CO
10.04 Sioux Falls, SD
10.05 Des Moines, IA
10.06 Kansas City, MO
10.10 Hollywood, FL
10.11 Tampa, FL
10.12 Birmingham, AL
10.13 Louisville, KY
10.17 Pittsburgh, PA
10.18 Toledo, OH
10.19 Cincinnati, OH
10.20 Charlotte, NC
10.24 Roanoke, VA
10.25 Hershey, PA
10.26 Boston, MA
10.27 Fairfax, VA
11.02 Greenville, SC
11.03 Atlanta, GA
11.07 Little Rock, AR
11.08 Cedar Park, TX
11.09 Oklahoma City, OK
11.10 Dallas, TX

for KING & COUNTRY Announces Unsung Hero Fall 2024 Tour

The new family biopic film, “UNSUNG HERO,” is out in theaters now. “The Inspired By Soundtrack” album is available in conjunction with the film. The film stars Joel Smallbone; he also co-wrote the film, and it is his directorial debut.

If there is one thing the Gospel music industry can count on from Marvin Sapp, it’s consistency. With seven consecutive #1 albums released between 2007 and 2022 (15 albums released in total) Sapp is preparing to record his next magnum opus.

On May 31^st, Marvin Sapp will record his 16^th album live at Valley Kingdom Ministries.  

“Chicago has always been a great market for me. It’s been a while since I’ve been there, so when I decided to record this album live, I thought it was the perfect time to return,” says Sapp. 

Marvin Sapp is known for delivering rich live recording experiences that translate into musical masterpieces. His platinum-selling album Thirsty was recorded live, in addition to Here I Am (2010), You Shall Live (2015), and Chosen Vessel (2020).   

“Live recordings are a unique experience because you get to feed off of the energy in the building,” says Sapp. “Sometimes a song will take on a life of its own because of how it shifts the atmosphere and how people respond to it. Recording live is very special and I’m excited about what will happen on May 31^st.”  

Expected to be released early fall, this album will be the follow up to Substance, which yielded two #1 singles.