Category: NEWS

Greg Bentley Honored With SGMG 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

On Tuesday, March 12, members of the Southern Gospel Music Guild gathered at BMI in Nashville, TN, to honor industry leader, Greg Bentley, with the 2024 SGMG Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pictured with Greg are members of the SGMG Executive Board and the industry professionals who spoke at his Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony

A positive force in gospel music, Greg began his full-time career in the industry in 1984 as tenor for the legendary family group, The Hoppers. He went on to travel with the Down East Boys, then toured for a decade with beloved industry icon, Squire Parsons, as a member of Squire’s trio. Greg is a multiple Singing News Fan Award nominee for both Favorite Tenor and Favorite Young Artist.

Greg has been an integral part of the team at Crossroads Label Group since 1993 and has made an indelible mark on the careers of numerous artists, including The Talleys, The Kingdom Heirs, Ivan Parker, The Kingsmen, The McKameys, 11th Hour, Endless Highway, Mark Bishop and many more. He currently serves as head of publishing and artist relations for the stalwart label group.

“Greg Bentley has a heart for God and a passion for gospel music,” shared SGMG Vice President and Director of Membership, Beckie Simmons. “He approaches everything he does with professionalism and kindness and works tirelessly to serve this great industry. We are thrilled to present Greg with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award! So deserving!”

Gospel music luminary and co-founder of Crossroads Label Group, Chris White, lauded Greg for his dedication, “I’ve known and worked with Greg for over 35 years. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. Greg is as solid as a rock. Yes, I’ve seen that rock crack a few times over the years, but I’ve never seen it break! His character, integrity and his devotion to everything he believes in is as good as it gets!”

Longtime member of the gospel music community and SGMG President, Elliott McCoy, stated, “As president of the Southern Gospel Music Guild, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Greg Bentley. His contributions to the gospel music community as both an artist and record label executive have been profoundly impactful. It is a well-deserved honor.”

Greg conveyed his gratefulness for the award. “From the time I was 12 years old and saw the Gospel Singing Jubilee on TV, I was hooked. I loved the harmonies of it and the passion in it, and I still love gospel music as much today as I did back then. I am honored and humbled to receive this award, and I appreciate the Guild, the record labels, the promoters and the artists for what they do for the Kingdom. That is the main thing; that we do it for the Kingdom.”

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David C Cook Welcomes Brian Mitchell as CMO

Christian publisher David C Cook welcomes veteran marketing leader Brian Mitchell to the organization as Chief Marketing Officer. Mitchell has a background in both the publishing and music industries, bringing unique expertise and capability to lead marketing efforts for both Cook and its Nashville-based music label, Integrity Music.

“I’m honored to join the leadership team at David C Cook,” said Mitchell. “I’m driven by the joy of delivering the hope of Christ to people across the globe through music, print, and digital media.”

Mitchell began his media career in 1986 in radio broadcast roles, followed by nearly two decades of record executive leadership positions at Provident/Sony and Capitol/Universal, including General Manager of Essential Records, developing artists such as Jars of Clay and Third Day.

Most recently, prior to joining David C Cook, Mitchell served as President of WTA Media leading its literary agency and publishing efforts with K-LOVE Books after its acquisition by Educational Media Foundation (EMF). He also contributed his marketing expertise to digital distribution campaigns for top- grossing films such as War Room and I Can Only Imagine.

Mitchell also served as Vice President of Marketing at Thomas Nelson Publishers/HarperCollins, helping lead several imprints to garner multiple New York Times bestsellers.

As Big Idea Entertainment/DreamWorks Animation’s Vice President of Marketing and Licensing for the VeggieTales® brand, he led marketing initiatives and contributed product development for live tours, television, films, records, and home entertainment episodic releases.

“Brian’s extensive experience in marketing combined with his servant heart and dynamic leadership style made him the obvious and immediate choice for CMO,” said David C Cook Chief Executive Officer, Bill Reeves. “I could not be more thrilled that Brian is on board and have no doubt he will lead our marketing teams to grow and expand our 149-year global ministry.”

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The Chosen Season 4 In Theaters For Easter

The Chosen Season 4 is coming to theaters for Easter. Over three days, all eight episodes will be available on the following days:
Ep. 1-3 on Maundy Thursday, March 28
Ep. 4-6 on Good Friday, March 29
Ep. 7-8 on Holy Saturday, March 30

Check local listings or find showtimes at TheChosenRiseUp.com.

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Quintavious Covers CeCe Winans’ “Alabaster Box” On ‘American Idol’ Audition

Worship leader Quintavious covered a CeCe Winans song for his American Idol audition, which aired recently. All three judges said “yes” after his rendition of “Alabaster Box.” American Idol airs on ABC Sundays at 8pm ET.

https://youtu.be/jT80w52OKjg

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Gattaka Releases “Everybody’s Chasin’ Something” To Christian Radio

Today marks a monumental moment as the exceptionally talented Brianny “Gattaka” releases her highly anticipated debut single, “Everybody’s Chasin’ Something.”

This upbeat and funky track is not only a showcase of Gattaka’s powerful vocal ability and heartfelt lyrics but also a testament to her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a rising star within the Gospel/Christian music scene, all through the grace and guidance of God.

“Everybody’s Chasin’ Something” is an inspiring anthem that resonates with anyone searching for meaning and purpose beyond the surface-level pursuits of life. Written by Brianny Gattaka and Cale Kight, who also produced the track, the song is released as an independent single under the Christian Hot AC, CHR, and Rhythmic formats. It’s a vibrant celebration of faith, pointing listeners towards the ultimate pursuit of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Gattaka’s early life was filled with challenges. Yet, through her unwavering faith in God and the support of her family, particularly her mother and musician grandfather, Gattaka found solace and purpose in music. H

er passion for music, which began at the tender age of three in Brazil, has since evolved into a calling to minister through worship. Gattaka’s musical journey is a beacon of hope, proving that with faith in God and determination, achieving the impossible is within reach.

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“Everybody’s Chasin’ Something” draws from Gattaka’s personal experiences and observations, reflecting on the spiritual quest for something more meaningful in life. The song’s energetic beats and catchy chorus are complemented by lyrics that speak to the soul’s desire for genuine purpose and the realization that true fulfillment comes from faith in Jesus Christ and a relationship with God.

As Gattaka embarks on this new chapter in her career, “Everybody’s Chasin’ Something” is a powerful declaration of her mission to inspire and uplift through her music, giving all glory to God. Fans and new listeners alike are invited to experience the joy and depth of Gattaka’s debut single, available now on all major streaming platforms.

Experience the inspiration and groove of “Everybody’s Chasin’ Something” and join Gattaka on her musical journey to spread hope and faith through the powerful language of music, all while giving glory to God.

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RCA Inspiration Celebrates NAACP Image Awards-Double Win

RCA Inspiration congratulates the latest winners at this year’s 55th NAACP Image AwardsⓇ, with a double win for releases in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian categories by Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) and Kierra Sheard (RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment).

Kirk Franklin’s latest solo album FATHER’S DAY won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album. Released in October 2023, FATHER’S DAY is the thirteenth studio album from the chart-topping artist, songwriter and producer, and follows his NAACP Image Award win for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album in 2023 together with Maverick City Music, for their 2022 joint live album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration).

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Kierra Sheard won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for “All Yours” (feat. Anthony Brown). The title track featured from her latest solo album, the chart-topping artist, songwriter, actress and author released ALL YOURS in March 2023, which marked her seventh studio album.

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You can catch Kierra Sheard and Kirk Franklin performing live this spring on Kirk Franklin’s Exodus Music & Arts Festival. The two-day festival spotlights gospel music and culture with a host of superstar performers, with Kierra performing on May 25th and Kirk on May 26th at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, TX.

The 55th NAACP Image Awards celebrated the achievements and performances of people of color across more than 80 categories spanning film, television and streaming, music, literature, and podcasts

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Matthew West Releases His 6th Book ‘My Story, Your Glory’

Today, author and multi-award-winning artist and songwriter Matthew West releases his sixth book, My Story, Your Glory (K-LOVE Books). A 30-day devotional guiding readers to discover how God’s love can rewrite our stories while exploring how His glory redeems every chapter of our lives, the title comes from West’s hit single and album of the same name. He offers his voice for the audiobook as well, which is also available today.

While writing My Story, Your Glory, West’s goal was to help readers reflect on the less-than-perfect parts of their lives, pointing them to Scripture with encouragement to give God the glory in both the best and worst days. Along with sharing his own experiences, My Story, Your Glory reveals how God brings hope into all situations and that He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him.

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“There is nothing more inspiring and uplifting than witnessing stories of God at work in people’s lives,” West exclaims. “Our testimonies of God’s faithfulness have the power to embolden each other, carry each other through hard times, and change the world. This is a devotional about your story…a guide to help you remember that your story is being written by the Master Storyteller and that you are here on this earth for a very important reason: to give God glory.

Each day challenges you to consider a new truth of what God is currently doing or has done in your life, and to turn the focus of your life toward the glory of the One who loves you.”

And rave reviews have already been pouring in for My Story, Your Glory. Here are a few highlights from Amazon readers:

“I was left challenged by this devotional, and it is a great way to point to God every day. I will be reading this devotional more than once!” – GB

“Each day of the devotional has a great story and lesson on how no matter our story, God can use it for His glory. God is with us through every journey, good or bad, and will show us His plan as we go through life, if we allow Him to.” – Kee

“I am so thankful for the Bible stories in the book. Every story he used in this study is relatable to me in different areas of my walk with God.” – O

“This is the first devotional I have been able to follow for 30 days. It’s very well written. Made for anyone at any point in their walk with God. And if you can get the audio to go along with it, I found that very helpful also. Highly recommend for anyone.” – Nicole

Leading up to today’s anticipated release, West took to the K-LOVE airwaves last week as their midday guest DJ for the network. Check out a little fun behind-the-scenes footage by clicking on the photo to the right!

He also appeared on Talk Shop Live to share more insight with fans about the book. While also sharing some music, how to get your own autographed copy, along with telling other fun stories.

With My Story Your Glory, West hopes that “You will have a journal that documents God’s enduring presence in every chapter of your story – a written testimony that you can go back to again and again whenever you need encouragement. I’m excited to spend 30 days with you learning how to craft, share, and live a more meaningful and fulfilling story with the one life we get to live. It’s your story for His Glory.”

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Chris Tomlin Adds Dates To “Holy Forever World Tour 2024”

Chris Tomlin, a Pollstar ‘Top 10 Worldwide Tour’ headliner and one of the most successful Christian touring artists today, has added a second leg this fall to his Holy Forever World Tour due to the tremendous response for the global tourset to launch April 18.

The first leg includes Chris’ first headline tour overseas in more than a decade as the Grammy award winner is set to perform concerts across the U.S. and globally, including England, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany and Hungary. The second leg will add 18 concerts to the calendar beginning October 18. Ticket pre-sales begin Monday, March 25th at ChrisTomlin.com Sibling trio CAIN and Grammy-nominated artist Tauren Wells will join Tomlin for various runs of the tour.

“It’s remarkable to see how God is using ‘Holy Forever,’” said Chris. “I never could have imagined how quickly the song would connect with the church around the world. As part of that, I am honored to announce the addition of 18 new cities to the ‘Holy Forever World Tour.’ The tour starts next month and I am excited to see what else God has in store for ‘Holy Forever.’”

The Holy Forever World Tour is aptly named after one of the fastest growing songs in the church right now and one of his largest consumed songs each week in his distinguished catalog with the single currently sitting at over 140M streams.

“Holy Forever,” a Grammy-nominated six-week #1 single, has become one of the most significant songs of Chris’ 20+year career. Its reach and impact continues to help in Chris’ global mission and desire to help give people a voice to worship God. Billboard touted, “Tomlin’s name has become synonymous with modern worship music, as the Texas native has issued songs that have evolved into music standards sung by church congregations around the world.” Out of a desire to allow as many people as possible to join these nights of worship, tickets for the first leg of the tour are available now for $25 all in.

Holy Forever World Tour 2024 First Leg

4-18 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
4-19 Hershey, PA GIANT Center
4-20 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
4-25 St. Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena
4-27 Kansas City, MO Cable Dahmer Arena
5-1 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
5-2 Everett, WA Angel of the Winds Arena
5-3 Portland, OR Moda Center
5-9 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
5-10 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
5-11 Henderson, NV Dollar Loan Center
5-26 West Sussex, England (UK) Winston House- Big Church Day Out
5-27 Belfast, Ireland (UK) SSE Arena Belfast
5-28 Rotterdam, Netherlands (NL) Ahoy Arena
5-30 Düsseldorf, Germany (DE) Mitsubishi Electric Halle- D. LIVE
6-1 Miskolc, Hungary DVTK Stadium

Holy Forever World Tour 2024 Second Leg
10-9 Ontario, CA Toyota Arena
10-10 Phoenix, AZ Mullett Arena
10-11 San Diego, CA Viejas Arena
10-23 Hartford, CT XL Center
10-24 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
10-25 Canton, OH Canton Memorial Civic Center
11-1 Houston, TX Berry Center
11-2 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
11-3 San Antonio, TX Freeman Coliseum
11-7 Atlanta, GA Gas South Arena
11-8 Charlotte, NC Bojangles Coliseum
11-9 Baltimore, MD Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
11-14 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
11-15 Chicago, IL NOW Arenda
11-16 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse
11-21 Orlando, FL Addition Financial Arena
11-22 Sunrise, FL Amerant Bank Arena
11-23 Tampa, FL Yuengling Center
2024 is on pace to be one of Chris’ busiest of his career as he delivered a new album, Live From Good Friday on March 15 and his book How Great is Our God: Living a Worship-Led Life in a Me-Driven World (K-LOVE Books) is out tomorrow in celebration of one of his most impactful songs as he invites readers to redefine worship beyond music.

Chris uses his experience as a worship leader to provide readers with tools for living a God-centered life. “Live From Good Friday” track listing:

Good Good Father / Great Are You Lord
Ephesians 1 20-23 (feat. Pastor Darren Whitehead)
Holy Forever (with Jenn Johnson & Brian Johnson)
How Great Is Our God
Our God
Is He Worthy
At The Cross (Love Ran Red)
Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) (feat. George Mhondera)
Always
Precious Love
It Is Well

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For KING & COUNTRY Announces “The Inspired By Soundtrack” For ‘Unsung Hero’ Biopic Film

Multi-Platinum and four-time GRAMMY Award-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone) announces the April 26 release of their “The Inspired By Soundtrack album for their forthcoming family biopic film, “UNSUNG HERO.” 

The duo drops their latest track from the soundtrack today, “Crazy,” featuring the Smallbones and GRAMMY Award-winner (and sister) Rebecca St. James, along with a soundtrack version of the title track,“Unsung Hero.” 

The album will be available in conjunction with the film that releases same-day in theaters nationwide via LIONSGATE/ for KING + COUNTRY ENTERTAINMENT. The film stars Joel Smallbone; he also co-wrote the film, and it is his directorial debut.  To pre-order/pre-save “The Inspired By Soundtrack,” 

“The Inspired By Soundtrack” will also include recently released singles, “Place In This World” feat. Michael W. Smith and “Checking In” with Lee Brice;  “Lead Me On”featAmy Grant“To Hell With The Devil (RISE)” feat. Lecrae & Stryper, and much more. It will also feature the title track of the film, “Unsung Hero,” from their current Grammy nominated and AMA, Billboard and Dove award-winning album, “What Are We Waiting For?”

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Says the Smallbones,“What a field day we had with this album!  We have more features than any album we’ve ever done, having had the opportunity to take these incredibly nostalgic 90’s songs and re-imagine them with a for KING + COUNTRY flair. 

We’ve been able to partner with multiple artists on their songs – Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Stryper, and more.  It’s been quite an adventure, a creative process to re-envision these songs. We hope everyone enjoys them as much as we enjoyed making them!”

Track listing for “THE INSPIRED BY SOUNDTRACK” includes:

“You’re The Voice”

“Place In This World” feat. Michael W Smith

“She Believes”

“To Hell With The Devil (RISE)” feat. Lecrae & Stryper

Stryper Interlude feat. Michael Sweet

“You Make Everything Beautiful” feat. Rebecca St. James

“Checking In” feat. Lee Brice

“Unsung Hero” (Single Edit)

“Harmony” feat. Sleeping at Last

“Lead Me On” feat. Amy Grant

“I Surrender All” feat. Hillary Scott & Michael W. Smith

“Crazy”

ABOUT “UNSUNG HERO”:

Based on a remarkable true story, “UNSUNG HERO” follows Helen and David Smallbone as they move their family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after David’s successful music company collapses.

With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.

Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: four-time GRAMMY Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.

The film stars Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, and Terry O’Quinn. It was directed and written by Joel Smallbone and Richard L. Ramsey; and produced by Joshua Walsh, Justin Tolley, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone.

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‘The Gospel According To Mark’ Brings Scripture To Life With Music’s Top Names

Uniting a veritable who’s who of Gospel, soul and country music luminaries for a uniquely inspired collection of song and spoken word, The Gospel According to Mark is set for release May 17 from StowTown Records.

Created by and featuring acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, the project’s 12 standout musical collaborations are interwoven with 12 Scripture vignettes voiced by iconic songstress Gloria Gaynor.

Produced by Conklin—who also wrote or co-penned each musical selection—and GRAMMY winner Mark Prentice, the project offers fresh perspective on the New Testament book of Mark, chronologically conveying the account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. With Gaynor’s narrations anchoring every song.

The Gospel According to Mark showcases musical contributions from renowned actress and singer Rita Wilson; internationally revered collegiate ensemble The Fisk Jubilee Singers; Gospel trailblazers The Fairfield Four; the “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent; Southern Gospel leaders Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; GRAMMY-winning recording artist John Berry; and ‘80s country hitmaker T. Graham Brown, among many others.

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“While serving as the director of the GRAMMY Museum Experience at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary recording artist Gloria Gaynor in 2020,” Conklin recalls.

“After spending time with her album and speaking with her about her unwavering dedication to the Lord, an awakening occurred within me. It ignited a long-dormant desire to embark on my own worship project—a dream I had put off for years.”

“Later, as I edited the audio of my interview with Gloria for a podcast, it hit me like a bolt of lightning,” he adds. “I knew THAT voice, HER voice, was the one! To my great delight and surprise, she graciously agreed to join me on my musical journey, and I will be forever grateful.”

I’m so honored to have been asked to narrate The Gospel According to Mark and lend my voice to such an uplifting project that Mark D. Conklin has brought to life,” Gaynor shares. “To be part of such an amazing gathering of talent to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly a blessing for me.”

‘The Gospel According To Mark’ Brings Scripture To Life With Music’s Top Names

Stream & Enjoy

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8EEPzOzN9Ps%3Ffeature%3Doembed

The Gospel According to Mark is highlighted by lead single “The Greatest is Love,Featuring acclaimed recording artist Wendy Moten, a runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice,” the retro rock ‘n soul track embodies the nostalgic sounds of Memphis and Muscle Shoals.

Additional album standouts include the Rita Wilson spotlight “Through the Storm”; “Oh, Lonely Day,” a stirring Good Friday anthem with vocal contributions from John Berry and Rhonda Vincent; and the soulful “Take This Cup” with The Fairfield Four—an emotive musical rendering of Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Conklin has also authored an exclusive devotional companion for The Gospel According to Mark. Unpacking scripturally-rooted insight behind each of the album’s 12 songs, the devotions present encouragement for daily living, reflective questions and directed prayers.

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