Veteran singer-songwriter and band leader Mark Roberts has announced the release of his new album, “Come Alive”. Available today wherever music is sold. Produced by GRAMMY and Dove Award winner Tom Hemby, the album is Roberts’ first foray into Contemporary Christian Music.

Long before he started making music, Roberts had to overcome a string of childhood setbacks. A bone disorder in his right leg caused him to wear a brace, alongside a built-up shoe on the left for three painful years, each accompanied by a laundry list of activities the doctor said he would never complete. It was understandably hard to fit in and bullying became a regular occurrence, so music became a companion and comfort, especially classic Christian artists such as The Imperials during the Russ Taff era, Amy Grant and Andraé Crouch.

As he grew up, he also thankfully grew out of those ailments, being able to run, jump, climb and ride the bike he was told he never would, while praying he could one day reach the world through music, just as those iconic influences have done for decades.

“After many attempts and falls, I went astray, impatient, and started singing for me,” Roberts recalls. “Miles and miles, room after room, stage after stage, tears and years, and doing what everyone wanted me to do. I enjoyed awards and applause, but was cold and alone. Empty. It was all a blur. I was still doing what everyone told me I could not do, but there was still something missing.”

In spite of it all, the pieces finally fell into place in a manner so beyond his wildest dreams, only God could have orchestrated such a master plan. “I was recording in yet another attempt to make something happen when I met a guy who was tracking with us that day. He asked me if I had any other recordings with me that I had done and I had a Christmas/Thanksgiving song. Upon listening to it, he said to me, ‘that’s it! That’s what you’re supposed to be doing.’ He added that if I ever decided to go in that direction, he would help me all he could and produce me.”

Unbeknownst to Roberts, the offer came from none other than GRAMMY and Dove Award-winner Tom Hemby, who just so happened to be not only be the guitar player for The Imperials during the Russ Taff era, but married to Deanna Hemby, Amy Grant’s assistant.

“It would be years before I found that out,” he explains. “I would have to give up on me and give in to God before He would give me the answer to my prayer. Tom is my producer and my photo shoot was done at Amy Grant’s farm, which is my miracle circle. Only God could do that, so now I will do what God tells me I can do through Him.”

And that’s exactly what Roberts did throughout his new album “Come Alive,” featuring ten inspirational tracks which all evoke the classic days of CCM, yet are firmly planted in radio-ready sounds of today.

The uplifting title track is just one of the faith-fueling anthems that point to the increased authenticity of this already seasoned artist, who will be the first to admit feeling like he was swimming against the current pursuing such a drastic lane change later in life, but was nonetheless reminded God’s timing was truly perfect upon receiving a demo to “It’s Not Too Late (To Start Over Again).” There’s also “Teach Me,” which could also be considered Roberts’ precise prayer for restoration that he continues to play during daily devotionals, plus uplifting covers of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and Bread’s “Everything I Own.” Yet it’s the opening cut, “Running Home,” that could very well be the defining soundtrack to his lifelong testimony, in addition to being a personal favorite.

“I spent my life running after the wind on the road, trying to find my door and an opening somewhere that all makes sense,” he recalls. “I guess every musician can say that. ‘Where do I get in? Where do I make a mark?’ But at the time, I was aimless. I just wanted to be a part of music, and now I have a true, specific reason to be there, and that’s to shine a light…All of these songs are gifts that describe my path, not just mine, but the process of a Christian life and a relationship with Jesus.”

Adds Roberts, “My hope is that the listeners will receive what I prayed for long ago, that I could share music that would heal people, help people and let them know they are not alone.”

GRAMMY-nominated band MercyMe’s latest single, “To Not Worship You,” has hit No. 1 on four different Billboard and Mediabase charts. The song is the second No. 1 from their latest best selling project, ALWAYS ONLY JESUS, following the Dove Award-nominated Song of the Year track, “Then Christ Came.”

About the song, lead singer Bart Millard said, “I think with this song, I better realize what being still and knowing that He is God means. A lot of times when we have doubt or we’re questioning stuff, I think ultimately it’s because we’re not stopping and remembering who God really is. When you take the time to remember who God is, then it’s easy to ask, ‘who are we to not worship him?’”

Additionally, another one of MercyMe’s No. 1 songs, “Almost Home,” (inhale/exhale) has also been certified Gold by the RIAA, bringing the band’s certification tally to total 15 gold, platinum and multi-platinum singles and albums.

Tour season soon will be in full swing for the band this fall as well as they kick off the “Together Again Tour,” hitting 16 cities in October with past tourmates Crowder and Andrew Ripp, followed by a November, twelve-city co-headline run with TobyMac and also featuring Zach Williams. 

Sony Music Entertainment, Provident Films and Trafalgar Releasing today announced the release of HOME BY SUNDAY, the remarkable story behind the journey, music and ministry of GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling group Casting Crowns. Coming exclusively to North American theaters, with limited screenings beginning Nov. 30, HOME BY SUNDAY takes audiences on a worshipful experience 20 years in the making.

Casting Crowns is known worldwide for its poignant songs of truth. Arguably one of the most successful CCM artists in the last two decades, since the release of their debut self-titled album in 2003, the band has sold more than 13 million albums worldwide, earned 15 career No. 1 singles and received numerous awards, including one GRAMMY, 18 GMA Dove Awards, four American Music Awards and two Billboard Music Awards.

Yet despite the many accolades, to Mark Hall, Casting Crowns’ lead singer and songwriter, his most important title is “youth pastor.” Through 20 years of touring and recording, the band has been faithful to always be “home by Sunday” to keep their local church commitments.

“We’re no different than the other people sitting next to us at church. They go out every week and do what God’s gifted them to do, and they use their gifts to reach the world with the Gospel in their way,” said Melanie Hall, Mark Hall’s wife who also leads the band’s tour operations.

“Mark always says if you want to stay humble, go play in front of thousands of people Saturday night and then show up on Sunday morning, walk in for church and get snubbed by a middle schooler who says, ‘So, why weren’t you at my game last night?’” 

From their beginning days as a youth group band to the inspiration behind one of their most beloved songs and a near-life-ending diagnosis, HOME BY SUNDAY gives a behind-the-scenes look into the mission and mindset that has driven Casting Crowns for the last two decades. 

“What I love about this documentary is that it is not just a Casting Crowns origin story, but really a telling of how Casting Crowns’ songs have been woven into peoples’ individual stories over the last 20 years,” said Holly Zabka, president of Provident Entertainment. “These songs have walked with people through sorrow and celebration, rescue and redemption…always pointing to Jesus. That is the real story of Casting Crowns.”

In addition to the HOME BY SUNDAY theatrical event on Nov. 30, Casting Crowns is also releasing Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years, a special edition album featuring reimagined versions of the biggest songs of the band’s storied career with featured collaborations. The band will also embark on their 20th anniversary tour starting on Sept. 28 in Albany, New York. The tour will visit theaters in 20 markets this fall and features a live orchestra.

“From their humble beginnings to the challenges they’ve overcome, we are excited to showcase Casting Crowns’ musical evolution, the stories behind their meaningful lyrics, and the unwavering faith that has been the cornerstone of their artistry,” said Kymberli Frueh, SVP for Programming and Content Acquisitions for Trafalgar Releasing. “This documentary is our way of celebrating Casting Crowns’ impact and expressing our gratitude to the fans who have supported them throughout the years.”

HOME BY SUNDAY is distributed by Sony Music Entertainment. It is produced and directed by Gregory Smith (ENDS OF THE EARTH).

On Tuesday, September 19, at Belmont University’s The Fisher Center for Performing Arts, Music Health Alliance (MHA) — the music industry’s crucial nonprofit healthcare resource. 2x Grammy award-winning artist Lauren Daigle, and special guests came together to address the critical healthcare needs of the music industry’s fast-growing senior population.

The partnership not only marks another industry first for MHA, but it also establishes a first-of-its-kind combined senior healthcare program and fund designed specifically for music industry veterans and legacy music makers.

Approximately 20% of the 20,000 music industry clients MHA has served over the past 10 years are aged 55 and older resulting in $6.5M in senior medical savings. The seed money provided by Daigle’s The Price Fund will help grow MHA’s team of trained senior care advocates and network of healthcare resources, as well as provide financial grants through The Price Legacy Fund to cover direct healthcare expenses, including those not covered by existing plans or Medicare; prescriptions, emergent rehabilitation services, and emergent short-term home healthcare or respite care.

This effort will allow MHA to serve one of the fastest-growing, vulnerable populations in need of healthcare access, support, and navigation — aging music professionals and legacy music makers aged 65 and older.

“Any success I have comes with a deep-seated appreciation for the people who have come before me — those whose lives, hard work, creativity, and vision now serve as the bedrock upon which the music industry lies,” said Daigle. “These are the people that we honor and what I hope is the start of a long partnership with Music Health Alliance.”

“For the two years I was at LSU I lived with my grandfather, Julian Price,” said Daigle. “And what I noticed in that season of life was that I had someone who believed in me. And that changed everything for me. A few years after I moved to Nashville, he was diagnosed with cancer and one thing that happened that will never leave my heart, my soul, my spirit, my mind, was watching [my grandfather] pass with peace.

He was privileged to pass away at home with hospice, surrounded by his loved ones, and we held his hand. There was something so pure and so peaceful about it, it changed my life forever. It was the first person I lost who was so close to my heart. Why is [the Price Legacy Fund] so important to me? It’s because I was able to see what a healthy transition looks like. I was able to see someone who had people and support all around him, whether it was medicinal needs or having resources to get from one appointment to the next, being able to pay for that x-ray or scan to see where the cancer had spread, those moments are really tender in the life of someone.

Those are the moments where you find out how much you’re made of and how much you’re worth to the world.”

“I was able to see someone who had people and support all around him, whether it was medicinal needs or having resources to get from one appointment to the next, being able to pay for that x-ray or scan to see where the cancer had spread, those moments are really tender in the life of someone,” Daigle added.

“This is one of those moments where we get to love on people that might not feel loved, that may not feel seen, that might feel like they’re the forgotten generation. We’re the ones that get to go and say, no. There are still people that believe in you. There are still people that love you. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this fund, it is quite an honor.”

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve been an advocate for our aging music industry community — witnessing hardships, loneliness, and the inability to pay for medical and prescription costs. I couldn’t be more excited about this fund and the impact it will have on one of the fastest growing populations of healthcare needs,” says Shelia Shipley Biddy, CFO and Certified Senior Advisor at Music Health Alliance. 

“The Price Legacy Fund will ensure that this often-overlooked population will never be alone or forgotten. Thanks to the support of Lauren and contributions through her Price Fund, there will always be a caring advocate who will help seniors find solutions to their daily health needs and provide counsel on Medicare and Social Security issues.”

Josh, a legacy artist in his 70s, reached out to MHA after a routine colonoscopy revealed that his wife had advanced colon cancer that had spread to her lungs. Covered only by Medicare Part A, the couple faced mounting medical bills they couldn’t pay and weren’t able to get the care she needed without additional insurance or funding. MHA advocated for an industry grant to pay rent and living expenses for 6 months, helped get $85,900 in hospital bills written off, provided funding to assist with medication, and has been diligently working to get her set up on Medicare Part B so they can afford the care she needs. Josh and his wife are just one of more than 2,250 stories of seniors who relied on MHA’s free healthcare support and resources as a lifeline through a health crisis.

Celebrating 10 years of “healing the music”, MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive life-saving care. MHA continues to advocate on behalf of songwriters, producers, audio engineers, musicians, recording artists, publishers, and more across the country.

Thanks to the direct efforts of MHA, over 20,000 members of the music community nationwide have gained access to life-saving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end-of-life care, and other necessary services. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years. Spouses, legal domestic partners, and dependent family members also qualify for access to the nonprofit’s services.

Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue Music Health Alliance’s advocacy and free services. 86% of all dollars donated go directly to MHA’s programs and services — for every $1 donation, MHA provides $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to #HealTheMusic.

Today, rising vocal powerhouse Anna Golden joins Sadie Robertson Huff on the WHOA That’s Good Podcast to share all about her new album ‘Church’ (8.11), her ministry career and so much more.

Golden’s new album ‘Church’ is a testimony to the power of perseverance through pain, as Golden’s passion for ministry shines through across ten anthemic tracks. 

Golden discusses the following on the episode:

* The heart behind her new album ‘Church’

* The advice that helped her moved forward after breaking off an engagement

* The beauty and spirit of youth, and why it’s OK to act your age

* Growing from painful experiences without becoming bitter

* The importance of having difficult conversations with people we love when needed

* How therapy and faith are not mutually exclusive and how she used each to guide her healing journey

Golden grew up spending her time in and out of LA audition rooms before leaving prospects of fame behind to pursue full-time ministry. Her career changed forever when she was connected with GRAMMY-winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard, who chose Anna as the debut signee to her TeeLee Records label.

GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson was rendered speechless as her Capitol Christian Music Group team surprised her with a celebration to announce that her debut single “My Jesus” is now certified PLATINUM by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The “deeply personal breakout ballad” (Billboard) has continued to fuel Wilson’s unstoppable career as it notched over one million units sold and counting, with numerous awards and accolades to its name.

Wilson’s momentous week extended to her debut performance at a Country award show during Monday night’s ACM Honors. She graced the historic Ryman stage alongside Jordan Davis to perform the double-Platinum, ACM Award-nominated No. 1 song, “Buy Dirt.”

“What a moment for the Lord, for my sweet brother Jacob, for my family, for the writers and producers, for Capitol Christian, and for ALL who have walked this unexpected adventure,” shares Wilson. “To see what God has done out of the deepest pain is such a precious gift that He has given to all of us. GOD NEVER wastes our sorrows. He uses them in ways we cannot dream of. I can’t wait to hug my brother again and talk about all the things God has done. Jacob must be beaming in heaven right now sitting with ‘My Jesus.’”

Called to her musical mission in the wake of tragedy, Wilson’s “My Jesus” – an empowering anthem of personal conviction wrapped in uplifting, roots-pop energy – served as her warm introduction to fans in early 2021. After going viral upon release, the single’s music video reached 7M views in its first week and 23M to date. The track hit No.1 on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart, making her the first debut female Christian artist in chart history to reach No.1, and was nominated for a Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song.

The single also went on to be named ASCAP’s 2022 Christian Music Awards Song of the Year, reaching Spotify’s Viral 50, the Shazam Top 200 and Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Trending charts. To date, the song has accumulated 360M streams and 180M TikTok views in addition to notching PLATINUM status.

The follow-up to her introductory track was her now GRAMMY-nominated, 15-song debut album, My Jesus, which was released on April 22, 2022. As the biggest debut album by a CCMG artist in over 15 years, the “soul-touching record” (CMT) reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian & Gospel Albums and the Top 200 Christian and Gospel charts, topping her total global streams to over 722M.

As Wilson’s star continues to rise, she’ll embark on her first-ever headlining My Jesus Tour with special guest Josh Baldwin kicking off next Thursday. The nearly sold-out 20-stop tour begins on Sept. 28 in Houston, Texas and spans across the country with stops in major cities including Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Earlier this summer, Wilson released “Seventh of June,” a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to her beloved late brother Jacob. She also secured yet another Dove Award nomination for her 2022 Christmas project, The Manger, recognized in the category of Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year at the upcoming 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking place at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and airs on Friday, Oct. 20 (8:00 pm ET and 10:00 pm ET) on TBN and the TBN app.

Fathom Events and Educational Media Foundation (EMF) are proud to bring this special concert event, “K-LOVE Live at Red Rocks,” to the big screen on Monday, November 6, and Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm local time.

Experience what fans are calling the Christian music event of the year! Captured earlier this year, the film features live performances of brand-new songs, never-before-seen backstage footage, and behind-the-scenes content, plus exclusive interviews with today’s chart-topping Christian artists.

Witness a concert unlike any you’ve seen before, in theaters nationwide on November 6 and 7 only. The film, produced by Steve Gilreath, features performances from MercyMe, Zach Williams, Jeremy Camp, We The Kingdom, CAIN, Unspoken, Anne Wilson, Ryan Stevenson, Blessing Offor, Jon Reddick, and Hope Darst.

“The Red Rocks show has become an absolute highlight for our listeners and for the artists we’re privileged to host on that iconic stage each year,” says David Pierce, Chief Media Officer at EMF. “This event is not only breathtaking in real life but will be just as exciting to watch on the big screen. We are thrilled to bring such a huge production to theaters across the country.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website. (Theater locations are subject to change.)

The GMA Dove Awards sold-out Nashville event will be held on October 17th, 2023, and will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app, Friday, October 20th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET

The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce Tauren Wells as the host for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Named the GMA Dove Awards Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year in 2018, the eight-time winner and 17-time nominee will also be performing on the show. The GMA Dove Awards are happening live and in person in Nashville, TN, on October 17th, 2023 at the Allen Arena.

Tickets for the live show are sold out. Tune in to the broadcast exclusively on TBN and the TBN app, on Friday, October 20th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation on October 27th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET.

Tauren Wells Announced As Host & Performer For 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards

Stream & Enjoy

Tauren Wells is a celebrated platinum-selling musician, preacher, public speaker, and father, with eight GMA Dove Awards (including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year), 10 GRAMMY nominations, and a Billboard Music Award nomination.

In addition, Wells has achieved six number 1s, 330+ million career video views, and over 1.1 billion global streams to date and counting. Through his precise artistry, masterful lyrics, and dance-oriented performances, Tauren uniquely connects his contemporary Christian and Gospel sound with elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B.

With “Joy In The Morning” (2022), his first record with Capitol Records/CCMG and third career album, he emphasizes his genre-bending musical talent and limitless creative range— drawing from a lifetime of influences across gospel, pop, R&B, and more.

Wells continues to inspire joy with his latest body of work Take It All Back. Released in August 2023, the four-song EP includes high-impact collaborations with We The Kingdom, Davies, and Fred Hammond, plus a powerful new version of “Crazy About You.”

Having toured with industry greats (Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, etc.) and performing on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Tamron Hall Show, and The Kelly Clarkson Show, Wells most recently brought his show-stopping vocals and electrifying signature dance production across the U.S. with his “Joy in the Morning” headline tour.

Born and raised in Michigan, Tauren currently resides in Texas with his wife and four sons. In 2024, The Wells family will be opening a church in Austin, TX called the Church of Whitestone.

“I’m excited and honored to be hosting this year’s GMA Dove Awards – truly such a special celebration of Christian and Gospel music,” says Wells.

The theme for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards is Joyful Echo. Isaiah 42:12 from The Message says, “Make God’s glory resound, echo His praises from coast to coast.”

“What Joyful Echo makes me think of is the writer in scripture that says one generation will tell another of the greatness of God. That essentially the goodness of God will be echoed from one generation to another,” says Wells. “What joy it brings the believer to be able to tell those coming from behind us how great, how good, how awesome God is.

It’s also cool to note that as you declare God’s praises and sing of His goodness, it reverberates throughout history the greatness of our God.”

Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated lineup of Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, occurring January 26 and 27, 2024.

The rocking weekend kicks off Friday night with performances by GRAMMY-nominated rock band, We The Kingdom, GRAMMY award-winning rapper, LECRAE, and more.

The festival continues Saturday night with performances by Dove award-winning band, Casting Crowns, GRAMMY-nominated singer, Phil Wickham, GRAMMY award-winning singer, Brandon Lake, and more. For the entire weekend lineup, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

Beyond the main stage performances, Rock the Universe attendees can immerse themselves in a weekend full of inspiring worship experiences – including a powerful Sunday morning service to wrap up the faith-filled weekend.

Fans can keep the music flowing in a dedicated fan zone, featuring live performances from up-and-coming acts, and autograph sessions with participating bands and artists.

Tickets to Rock the Universe also include access to Universal Studios Florida’s most thrilling attractions during the event. Fans can take a break from the music and experience the newest addition to the park, Minion Land on Illumination’s Avenue, featuring the ground-breaking new attraction – Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – where guests can blast their way to supervillain stardom.

Additional rides Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, and Revenge of the Mummy will also be open to Rock the Universe attendees during the event.

Event Tickets and Group Vacation Packages are Now on Sale!
Tickets to the ultimate faith-based music festival include admission to spiritual performances and exclusive access to popular Universal Studios Florida attractions during event hours. Fans can get 3 Parks for the Price of Two with the Rock the Universe offer this year.

Starting at $150.99 per person, a Rock the Universe 3-park Rock Your Weekend Ticket includes entrance to both Rock the Universe events, plus three days of admission to one theme park per day at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay.

At the heart of the event, Rock the Universe supports youth group ministries and offers special pricing, exclusive vacation packages, benefits, and opportunities for groups of 10 or more. The Rock the Universe 3-Park Rock Your Weekend Ticket for groups starts at $132.99.

Groups who stay at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels will receive exclusive perks, such as Early Park Admission with valid theme park admission, complimentary shuttle transportation to Universal Orlando’s theme parks Universal CityWalk, and more.

To purchase Rock the Universe tickets and vacation packages, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

Today, GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE made a network TV appearance. They performed “Dreams” live on NBC’s ‘TODAY’ Show alongside Judah & The Lion. The song is featured on their newly released ninth studio album titled CAVES.

CAVES is a collection of awe-inspiring melodies, breathtaking instrumentation, and epic-scale energy, giving the band’s soul-probing approach a more extensive, more expansive new scope––one that American Songwriter writes is “brimming with anthemic, arena-worthy sounds” and has “larger-than-life productions.”