GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE will step in to headline the Moon River Music Festival this Saturday in Chattanooga, TN in place of folk trio CAAMP.    

With “some of the best vocal performances, instrumentation, and stage presence,” (Toronto Star), the band will close out the first night of the eighth annual festival.  Additionally, frontman Bear Rinehart will pull double duty performing solo as Wilder Woods the following night.

The band’s forthcoming album CAVES, releasing September 15th, is a collection of awe-inspiring melodies, breathtaking instrumentation, and epic-scale energy, giving the band’s soul-probing approach a bigger, more expansive new scope–one that American Songwriter writes is “brimming with anthemic, arena-worthy sounds” and has “larger-than-life productions.” To pre-order or pre-save CAVES.

Last week, the band released two of the most anticipated singles from their new album CAVES – ”Wasting Time” featuring country hitmakers Old Dominion, and “Temporary Tears” featuring acclaimed Northern Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance. In addition to Old Dominion and Foy Vance, the album features special guests Carly Pearce and alternative rock band Judah & The Lion, who will be touring with NEEDTOBREATHE this fall.

CAVES was written in two post-pandemic phases – first during their aforementioned getaway in Utah, where the group was finally able to get together again, and then again after they returned to the road, re-acclimating to massive crowds alongside OneRepublic. The making of the album was captured in a two-part documentary “A World Without A Mirror: The Making of CAVES”.

Grammy Award Winner, Stellar Award Winner, Billboard Music Award Winner, and 2022 American Music Award Winner for Favorite Gospel Artist, Tamela Mann, is celebrating the latest RIAA certification of her record-breaking, chart-topping single, “Take Me to The King.” 

The song, written by Gospel Icon Kirk Franklin and featured on her album, Best Days, is receiving the highly coveted honor of Double Platinum certification with more than two million copies sold since the track was released on June 12, 2012.

“What an amazing blessing to receive this very special recognition. I’m honored Kirk and I got to collaborate on this song and I’m so thankful for the love and support of our fans who helped make this happen. I couldn’t have done it without everyone,” said Tamela.

The ballad marked the first collaboration between Tamela and Kirk since the songstress launched her solo career. The powerhouse team is also known for the songs, “God Provides,” the No. 1 song from Tamela’s Billboard chart-topping No. 1 album, One Way, and “Superheroes Prayer” from her latest album, Overcomer.

Tamela Mann’s “Take Me To The King” Is RIAA Certified Double Platinum

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Tamela, along with Franklin, her husband, actor/comedian/singer David Mann, The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, and Tye Tribbett, are headlining the The Reunion Tour, with special guests New Breed, Texas-based choir The Family, and God’s Property.

The tour kicks off Thursday, September 28th, in Connecticut and continues into November, hitting Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Houston, and many other cities.

Tamela Mann is an accomplished songwriter, producer, actress, and businesswoman, She has amassed a Grammy Award, BET Award, Billboard Music Award, American Music Award, multiple NAACP Image Awards, and Stellar Gospel Music Awards. 

Her Billboard No. 1 album, Best Days, includes the No. 1 double platinum single, “Take Me to The King,” and received Billboard’s “Album of the Decade” for 2010-2019, in the Gospel category.

Tamela’s Billboard No. 1 album, One Way, garnered two No. 1 singles, including “Change Me” and “God Provides,” which earned the singer her first Grammy Award in 2017.

In 2018, Tamela and her husband, NAACP Image Award-winning actor/comedian David Mann, released their first book and joint album, Us Against the World. The book won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work and the album garnered airplay success with the Urban AC track, “Ups & Downs.” Tamela and David helm Tillymann Entertainment.

Together, they starred in the NAACP Image Award-winning docu-series, The Manns, the hit comedy, Mann & Wife, and their family YouTube viral series, Mann Family Dinner. Tamela is in the second season of her YouTube cooking show, Mama Mann’s Kitchen, and she and David are currently starring in Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living. 

Songwriter and worship leader Cody Carnes‘ new live album, Firm Foundation. The new collection features 11 tracks recorded live at The Belonging Co. in Nashville. Cody appeared on ‘Fox & Friends’ on Labor Day to deliver an acoustic version of the LP’s title track. You can watch his performance below.

“This album is a collection of worship songs written out of some of the encounters I’ve had with God over the last few years. These songs celebrate the God who never ever fails, and they carry His certain hope in uncertain times. They have encouraged my spirit and led me through some of the most challenging moments of my life.

Cody Carnes – When everything around me is shaken, I’ve never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus. Christ will forever be my firm foundation.”

Carnes and his wife Kari Jobe will head out on “The Blessing Tour” for Europe and UK dates.

Stories were shared, songs were sung, and communities were brought together for Porter’s Call “Evening of Stories” fundraiser held last week, August 29th at Belmont University’s Fisher Center.

Now in its 14th year, the annual benefit was a night to remember that included stories shared by Porter’s Call Founder and Executive Director Al Andrews and best-selling author, inspirational speaker, professor, and principal tubist Dr. Richard Antoine White. More stories and special music were also offered by singer/songwriters Drew Holcomb, Lucie Silvas, Brandon Heath, and Paramore.

Closing the night was the surprise presentation of the Inaugural Founder’s Award given to Al Andrews. With words from Porters, Co-Directors Beth Barcus and Chad Karger, and Porter’s Call Board Chair Matt Signore, Andrews was recognized for his tireless work over the past 22+ years.

By opening its doors in 2001, Andrews saw how the artist community needed to be met differently than a traditional approach to standard counseling practice, offering a confidential environment that is a safe, loving, and free place to be honest, discover the truth and exhale and find rest.

With the inaugural award, the Porter’s Call team collectively wanted “…to honor the qualities that embody the DNA of Porter’s Call; to encourage and celebrate the people we see who are guiding artists and those around them in the music industry with our shared heartbeat. We can’t think of a better person to receive the honor of this inaugural award than Porter’s Call’s Founder, Al Andrews.”

Today marks the release of a profound and deeply personal interview video featuring Christian music sensation Petrina Pacheco, interviewed by the Founder of Nashville Christian Songwriters, John Chisum.

Hailing from Kiln, Mississippi, Petrina’s compelling journey from heartbreak to redemption, from despair to hope, is a story that many resonate with. In this candid conversation set against the backdrop of the renowned Dark Horse Recording Studio in Franklin, TN, Pacheco speaks about her beginnings in music, the traumatic years marked by abuse and addiction, and her ultimate transformation through faith and love.

Petrina Pacheco Shares Interview By John Chisum

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John Chisum, a pivotal figure in Petrina’s musical journey as her songwriting coach, co-writer, and mentor, delves deep into the heart of her experiences. The synergy between Chisum and Pacheco brings out an earnest narrative about her life’s highs and lows, and the divine intervention that changed its course.

Petrina Pacheco is best known for her inspirational tracks like “I’m Not Her Anymore,” “My Savior,” and “Be The Light” and others. Through her music, she has been a beacon of hope for many, sharing the transformative power of faith.

In this interview, Pacheco covers:
* The genesis of her singing career.
* Her harrowing history of abuse and escape.
* The tumultuous phase of substance abuse, gambling, and partying.
* The pivotal moment that led to her profound transformation.
* Insights into the process of co-writing, recording, and releasing her latest album.
* The next steps in her musical journey and ministry.

This interview promises to be a moving testament to the healing power of music, faith, and resilience. It’s not just for fans of Christian music but for anyone seeking inspiration in their life.

For nine-time GRAMMY Award nominee Natalie Grant, it might seem like business as usual, but the list of her acclaimed performances of our country’s National Anthem only gets longer and more prestigious. 

This Thursday will mark yet another milestone for Grant, who has been chosen to sing for the NFL’s Annual Primetime Kickoff Game between the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. The 2023-2024 gets underway on Thursday, September 7th live on NBC and Peacock at 8:20 PM EST. Coverage begins at 7 PM EST with Football Night in America.

“Three of my very favorite things: this country, our anthem, and football,” shares Grant. “Football marks my favorite time of the year, so I’m very grateful to the Chiefs organization for inviting me and excited to be a part of the NFL’s season kickoff!”

Nine-time GRAMMY nominee Natalie Grant has remained one of Christian music’s top-selling artists since her 2005 breakout RIAA Gold-certified album, Awaken. Having been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Gospel Music Association five times, Grant has propelled multiple singles and records to the #1 spot on the Billboard album charts. She’s the author of multiple books, including the Glimmer Girls series for tween girls.

A fierce advocate for social justice, she’s also the co-founder of Hope for Justice, an international non-profit organization with offices in 7 countries across 5 continents that works to end modern-day slavery. The singer and her husband, GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter/producer Bernie Herms, live in Nashville with their three daughters. Natalie’s new album, Seasons, will be out on October 6th.

Karen Peck and New River (KPNR) made history this month by setting the all-time record for most #1 singles on the Singing News Magazine’s Top 80 Southern Gospel chart. With 21 #1 hits to their credit and the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of their call, KPNR continues to build on a legacy of excellence that includes GMA Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, Singing News Fan Awards, AGM Awards, high-profile appearances, GMA and SGMA Hall of Fame inductions, and more. Formed in 1991, the group has blossomed in the past decades experimenting with different sounds while staying faithful to their traditional stylings, earning them their rightful place at the forefront of Gospel music.

Ed Leonard, president of Daywind Records, stated, “What a thrill it is to have worked with Karen Peck and New River during their careers and been a part of the tremendous legacy of Gospel music they are building! TWENTY-ONE #1 songs is a tremendous achievement, and we are humbled that KPNR has set the record for the most #1 songs in Southern Gospel music history.”

Karen Peck stated, “We are beyond grateful to the Lord for giving us, and our wonderful songwriting partners, the inspiration for each of these songs. We appreciate all of the producers, musicians, engineers, studio personnel, and group members for bringing the songs to life. Thanks to our label team partners for working with us to bring the songs to the world. It takes a lot of prayer to choose the right songs for the radio.

Our Southern Gospel DJ friends have always caught the vision for our music. We are forever thankful for each of them. Most of us have grown up in this industry together. We are all family, and our main goals are to encourage the believers and to win people to Jesus Christ. I love how well things come together when everyone is of one mind and one Spirit and in one accord.

Our fans have supported us from Day One! We could not have accomplished this without them. Special thanks to the Singing News Magazine for over 50 years of bringing Southern Gospel music to fans everywhere. We are extremely honored.”

List of #1 songs
1. Jan 1996 – “God Likes To Work”
2. Dec 2000/Jan 2001 – “Four Days Late”
3. Dec 2006 – “Hold Me While I Cry”
4. Oct 2007 – “Last Night”
5. June 2008 – “Hey”
6. Nov 2008 – “Whispered Prayers”
7. May 2009 – “I Want To Thank You”
8. Dec 2011 – “On The Banks Of The Promised Land”
9. July 2012 – “Mighty Big God”
10. Jan 2014 – “Revival”
11. June 2014 -“Finish Well”
12. Oct 2015 – “Pray Now”
13. Jan 2017 – “Calling”
14. July 2017 – “I Choose Christ”
15. Sept 2018 – “Gotta Be Saved”
16. April 2019 – “I Know I’ll Be There”
17. Feb 2021 – “Made Right”
18. Feb 2022 – “The Book”
19. Aug 2022 – “Answer Is Jesus”
20. March 2023 – “The Keepers”
21. Oct 2023 – “Dance”

Franni Rae Cash Cain announced her departure from the 2x GRAMMY-nominated band We The Kingdom today. “It is with a humbly grateful heart that I share with you that I am going to be taking a step back from We The Kingdom for the time being,” Franni shared on social media. “God has been prompting a change of seasons in my heart, and I will be honoring that. I love our team and my family so much.

A big part of me is excited to just have my dad be my dad, my brother be my brother, my uncle be my uncle, and Andrew be my friend. I am deeply grateful for every person that’s been on this journey with us.”

She will be finishing live show commitments for the rest of 2023. The band is expected to continue delivering new music and new shows in a new chapter. “I can’t wait to cheer We The Kingdom on from the front row,” Franni Rae concluded.

Known for the Billboard Music Award-nominated and chart-topping 2019 album debut ‘Holy Water,’ We The Kingdom was comprised of brothers Ed Cash and Scott Cash, Ed’s children Franni Rae Cash Cain and Martin Cash, and close family friend Andrew Bergthold, who all came together as musicians during a life-changing Young Life experience.

Leanna Crawford is married! The “Truth I’m Standing On” and “How Can You Not” singer and songwriter married NBA player Cody Zeller this past weekend, August 26th, in Nashville, Tennessee, and People exclusively shared the photos!

Leanna shared with the magazine that their wedding was “a dream come true — just a perfect day” and “the most beautiful covenant we can make.” Together, she and Cody, who plays center for the New Orleans Pelicans, are now looking forward to “doing life together as husband and wife.”

GRAMMY Award-nominated, Dove Award-winning Gotee recording artist Ryan Stevenson marked another milestone in his acclaimed career with his recent debut on the Grand Ole Opry. The singer/songwriter performed his Gold-selling #1 hit “Eye of the Storm,” along with “Speak Life,” the GRAMMY-nominated TobyMac chart-topper co-written by Stevenson. The Oregon native and former paramedic shared with the Opry audience how the creation of “Speak Life” was a pivotal moment in his journey, leading to his longstanding relationship with Gotee Records and a string of hit singles.

Along with Stevenson, the Friday night Opry show featured a lineup of legends and superstars, including Grand Ole Opry members Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Jeannie Seely and Vince Gill; Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Deana Carter; and breakout traditionalist Zach Top.

Earlier that day, Stevenson appeared on WSM Radio/Circle Network’s “Coffee, Country and Cody” morning show, where he world-premiered “Rich,” a moving ballad he recently co-wrote.