Award-winning songwriter and producer Bernie Herms has entered into an agreement with Capitol CMG Publishing, the world’s market-leading Christian music publisher.

Bernie Herms is an award-winning composer, songwriter, and producer, who has worked with artists such as Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Selena Gomez, Kelly Clarkson, Hillary Scott (of Lady Antebellum), Barbra Streisand, Natalie Grant, Casting Crowns, Danny Gokey, David Foster, Brad Paisley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, and many more.

Some of his recent projects include Hillary Scott’s GRAMMY winning #1 single, “Thy Will” (14 consecutive weeks at #1), Barbra Streisand’s GRAMMY nominated and #1 debuting album, Partners, Natalie Grant’s #1 debuting album, Be One, and Danny Gokey’s #1 debuting album, Rise.

This week, renowned gospel artist CeCe Winans appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show. CeCe tells talked about tour life and how she became friends with Whitney Houston. Then, she sang a sample of the songs she chose for her first solo in church.

Winans is having a dynamic 2024. Her latest album, More Than This, another PureSprings Gospel and FairTrade Services collaboration, dropped last month (Apr 26). She recently finished The Goodness Tour, which kicked off earlier this year.

CeCe Winans Appears On ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’

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Aaron Williams, a worship leader, songwriter, and founder of The Way of Worship, a community committed to discipling worship leaders and songwriters in the way of Jesus, recently signed with Nashville-based worship label, Integrity Music.  

Aaron is recognized for consistently writing songs that are thoughtful, creative, and Christ-centered, whether utilized in an intimate living-room setting or with a band in a large auditorium. One of Aaron’s best-known songs, “Abide,” continues to find a home in more and more churches in North America. 

Beyond writing music, Aaron has a heart for equipping worship leaders and investing in the health of worship teams. He frequently travels to lead worship and teach at events, churches, and conferences on the topics of worship, songwriting, theology, and development.  

“I have such a kindred passion for worship leaders serving their churches and want to encourage them and write songs that are helpful to their local communities,” he said.

“I have had a lot of respect for Integrity Music and its roster of artists and songwriters ever since I was a kid,” he said. “I think we all love being a part of something much bigger than ourselves, and that’s what I feel as I join the Integrity family, the privilege of contributing to a kingdom-minded company that’s much bigger than any one person. It’s a dream come true to be able to partner together for the season ahead!” 

Integrity Music VP of Label Group and Music Publishing, Mark Nicholas, said, “Aaron has a well-established record of serving other people, creating community wherever he goes and writing honest, meaningful worship songs, all of which demonstrate his commitment to the way of Jesus and his love for Christ’s church.  We are eager to build alongside Aaron in this exciting season ahead.”

Multi-Platinum and four-time GRAMMY Award-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) have released their “The Inspired By Soundtrack” album for their new family biopic film “UNSUNG HERO.”  The album is available in conjunction with the film which debuted the same day in theaters nationwide via LIONSGATE/ for KING + COUNTRY ENTERTAINMENT.

The official music video for “You Make Everything Beautiful,” one of the tracks from “The Inspired By Soundtrack” album, is now available and features their sister Rebecca St. James.

Rebecca St. James & for KING + COUNTRY “You Make Everything Beautiful” Music Video

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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).