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. 

PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson’s banner street week continues as tickets for her 28-stop headlining The REBEL Tour are on sale now. The coast-to-coast tour will stop in major markets across the country with special guest Jordan Rowe, including Wilson headlining Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for the very first time on Sept. 25, 2024.

“I’m so excited to hit the road this fall on The REBEL Tour!” shares Anne. “We’re going to be playing some amazing venues all across the country and it feels like a dream come true! Ever since writing and recording this new record, I’ve been waiting for the chance to take REBEL on the road. I’ll be counting down the days till show No.1. Can’t wait to sing with y’all!”

Wilson’s momentum continues to surge as she notches the No.1 spot at Christian radio during REBEL’s street week with her empowering anthem “Strong,” marking Wilson’s third career No.1.

The single, co-written by Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West has already garnered over 32M global streams to date. She also recently became the only female artist to have three No. 1 singles across the Mediabase Christian AC and Mediabase Christian Audience charts since she first launched on the scene with “My Jesus” in 2021. 

Last week, Wilson commemorated the groundbreaking release with a performance of her loud-and-proud title track “REBEL” on The 3rd Hour of TODAY. The record has been lauded by fans and the industry alike since its April 19 release, as People.com dubs her “one of contemporary music’s freshest new voices, regardless of genre,” while Billboard praises its “faith rooted Country sound.” 

GRAMMY.com echoes the sentiment, noting Wilson’s ability to “hit the bullseye between contemporary Christian and Country twang,” and The Tennessean recognizing her “folk-aimed soul and countrified pop passion.”

Combining much-needed encouragement, vulnerability and transparency into a perfect balance that footholds the space between the dead-end road paved in dirt and the church pew of redemption on Sunday morning, the record produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith emerges as a powerful message of faith.

Highlighted on the album is “the upbeat banger” (GRAMMY.com) “Songs About Whiskey,” released with an all-new music video, that finds Wilson unashamedly walking the line of her strong faith and Country roots. Collaborations with some of Christian and Country music’s biggest names further elevate the record, enlisting reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson for “Praying Woman,” GRAMMY-Award winner Chris Tomlin for “The Cross” and Country superstar Jordan Davis for “Country Gold.”

Last month, Wilson landed her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year for “Rain In The Rearview.” Despite only being three years into her career, Wilson has already amassed an impressive array of accolades, including winning a Billboard Music Award, multiple DOVE and K-LOVE Fan Awards, and nominations for prestigious honors from the GRAMMYs and American Music Awards.

Recognized as Apple Music’s Country Riser for April, an artist to watch by Spotify, Pandora, the Grand Ole Opry, CMT and more, and over 900M career streams, Wilson’s trajectory knows no bounds.

The REBEL Tour dates with Jordan Rowe:

• Sept. 12, 2024 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center
• Sept. 13, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas at Will Rogers Auditorium
• Sept. 14, 2024 *TBA
• Sept. 19, 2024 in Atlanta, Ga. at The Coca-Cola Roxy
• Sept. 21, 2024 in North Charleston, S.C. at North Charleston Performing Arts Center
• Sept. 25, 2024 in Nashville, Tenn. at Ryman Auditorium
• Sept. 26, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. at Ovens Auditorium
• Sept. 27, 2024 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall
• Oct. 3, 2024 in Melbourne, Fla. at King Center for the Performing Arts
• Oct. 4, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla. at Florida Theatre
• Oct. 5, 2024 in Tampa, Fla. at Straz Center
• Oct. 10, 2024 in Newark, N.J. at Calvary Temple International
• Oct. 11, 2024 in Reading, Pa. at Santander Performing Arts Center
• Oct. 12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. at Warner Theatre
• Oct. 17, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minn. at State Theatre
• Oct. 18, 2024 in Chicago, Ill. at Willow Creek – South Barrington – Lakeside
• Oct. 19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind. at Reardon Auditorium
• Nov. 1, 2024 in Phoenix, Ariz. at Orpheum Theatre
• Nov. 2, 2024 in San Diego, Calif. at Faith Chapel
• Nov. 3, 2024 *TBA
• Nov. 8, 2024 in Boise, Idaho at Morrison Center
• Nov. 9, 2024 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
• Nov. 10, 2024 in Bakersfield, Calif. at The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
• Nov. 12, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Kingsbury Hall
• Nov. 13, 2024 in Denver, Colo. at Paramount Theater
• Nov. 15, 2024 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theatre
• Nov. 16, 2024 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater
• Nov. 17, 2024 in Salem, Ore. at Elsinore Theatre

More exciting events and details have been revealed for the 11th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards weekend hitting Nashville May 24-26.

Joining MercyMe, CAIN and Consumed by Fire during the Friday night kick-off concert will be Andrew Ripp, with Tauren Wells added to speak during the Sunday morning worship service led by Elevation Worship.

Newly announced events include Saturday morning’s Worship In The Round event, showcasing Jon Reddick, Matt Maher, Jenn Johnson, Mike Weaver and Shane & Shane. The annual Emerging Artist Showcase will take place Saturday afternoon, hosted by Brandon Heath and featuring Josiah Queen, Caleb & John, Terrian, Stephen McWhirter and Seph Schlueter. 

Steven Curtis Chapman will once again host the Songwriter’s Showcase and be joined by Jeremy Camp, Josh Baldwin, Rachael Lampa, David Leonard. 

As previously announced, the weekend will conclude as Brandon Lake and Sadie Robertson Huff host the 11th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 26, 2024 at Nashville’s iconic OPRY House, TBN will air the show on Friday, May 31st at 7pm (CT) 8pm (EST), while Coca-Cola Consolidated will once again serve as sponsor for the fan-voted awards show that concludes the biggest weekend in Christian music.

Fans come from all over the country to participate in the K-LOVE Fan Awards and the preceding weekend to hear great music, meet their favorite artists, and have fun with the whole family – take a look at last year’s highlights here.

Providing an experience for fans that is impossible to match anywhere else, tickets for the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend are on sale with travel packages still available here: www.klovefanawards.com.

Lauren Daigle has partnered with Peloton for a series of exercise classes that are now available! You can row, walk, stretch, or ride alongside the Platinum selling and 2x GRAMMY award winning artist and Peloton’s Kendall Toole. To access these new classes, search Lauren Daigle on your Peloton App!#

Lauren Daigle Peloton Classes Now Available

Stream & Enjoy

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

American Idol has announced plans for a special music tribute for Season 5 finalist turned GRAMMY, Dove Award and two-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner Mandisa. The special performance will air on Monday, April 29. “Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry,” ABC said in a statement.

“She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family.”

Mandisa was found deceased in her home on Thursday, April 18th at the age of 47. Franklin police, in an update provided this week, said their investigation revealed no signs of foul play but they did not speculate as to the cause of death.

Mandisa’s official social media account today announced a service to Celebrate The Beautiful Life Of Mandisa planned for Sunday, April 27th at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN.

CCM artists and listeners alike have taken to social media to share heartfelt messages of support and prayer following the unexpected passing of the beloved artist. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement to all around the world, especially people facing life’s challenges.

GRAMMY nominated, Dove Award-winning Gospel music luminaries Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are entering a season of change. Ernie shared on social media this week a post titled “Something Sad and Something Glad.” Long-time member Paul Harkey has decided to exit the group as of the end of May to pursue personal interests.

Meanwhile, Signature Sound has welcomed new bass vocalist named Christopher Taylor. Christopher is currently traveling with the band and Paul is mentoring him. Christopher’s first full concert with EHSS will be the “Memphis Quartet Show” on June 15th, 2024 where they will be recording a live album.  You can read Ernie’s post in full below.

Something Sad and Something Glad…

We have some news that most of you may have already heard about, but it bears mentioning here to the broader EHSS audience. Paul Harkey and I have been talking for some time now. And Paul has felt for a long time, the leading of the Lord to come off the road. He and I chatted and agreed that there is never a good time to do this since we are always working on new music and events.

So, after 12 years of service to EHSS, Paul is coming off the road to pursue his personal interest at the end of May 2024. His last date will be our Signature Sound Fan Retreat in Sugarcreek, OH at the end of this month.

Paul and I also decided to treat this transition as a classy not sappy experience. We have nothing but love and HIGH RESPECT for Paul and his decision. HE IS OUR BROTHER, and we are #SigSoundFamForever! So, come out to our remaining shows and celebrate this servant of God and show your love and appreciation to Paul Harkey!

So with that being said, please help us welcome Christopher Taylor To The Signature Sound Family!

I have been asked many times how we find new talent. I have always responded with, “they find me.” That is the case with our new bass vocalist, Christopher Taylor. The week before Paul and I finalized this decision, Christopher came to one of our live shows and struck up an instant friendship with us all.

So, I called Christopher, and he joined us on tour for a couple of weekends and we all fell in love with him! His voice, spirit, energy, humbleness and most of all, love for the Lord and His people. We will have much more to say about Christopher later. However, you can meet him and welcome Christopher to the family on all the May tour stops (except Visalia, CA). He is traveling with us now and Paul is mentoring him. What a class act that Paul is!

Christopher’s first full concert with EHSS will be the “Memphis Quartet Show” June 15th, 2024 where we will be recording a live album. Make plans to come out and celebrate Paul Harkey and welcome Christopher Taylor!

Here we GROW again!

-Ernie

Gospel music sensations Anthony Brown, Bri Babineaux, Deitrick Haddon and Pastor Mike Jr., are set to tour across the nation on the all-new concert series, I GOT AWAY, in partnership with McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour.

Kicking off April 26th, the tour will make stops in 30 cities across the United States, including Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Queens, Chicago and more before wrapping up in Atlanta on June 29th.

Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, general admission tickets are FREE for this nearly sold-out concert experience, courtesy of McDonald’s USA. Fans can get in on the action by registering now for limited general admission or paid VIP tickets at IGotAwayTour.com.

For the past 18 years, the Golden Arches has been proud to bring McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour to communities nationwide. And this year, the unprecedented partnership with I Got Away allows McDonald’s to bring the tour to even more cities.

This electrifying experience serves as an extension of McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement, which shines a light on people making a difference in their communities through positivity and empowerment.

This dynamic collaboration promises to ignite hearts and souls, bringing together some of the most talented voices in Christian and Gospel music for an unforgettable experience where fans will see some of their favorite musical selections performed live. 

More than a concert series, I GOT AWAY will spread love in local communities by raising donations for families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters in each tour market.

Tour Dates/Cities

·       Apr 26, 2024 – Nashville, TN

·       Apr 27, 2024 – Memphis, TN

·       Apr 28, 2024- Birmingham, AL

·       May 2, 2024 – Houston, TX

·       May 3, 2024 – Dallas, TX

·       May 4, 2024 – Oklahoma City, OK

·       May 5, 2024 – Little Rock, AR

·       May 15, 2024 – Charlotte, NC

·       May 16, 2024- Greensboro, NC

·       May 18, 2024 – Raleigh, NC

·       May 22, 2024 – Orlando, FL

·       May 23, 2024 – Sunrise, FL

·       May 24, 2024 – Jacksonville, FL

·       May 25, 2024 – Savannah, GA

·       May 30, 2024 – Charleston, SC

·       May 31, 2024 – Columbia, SC

·       Jun 1, 2024 – Myrtle Beach, SC

·       Jun 6, 2024 – Richmond, VA

·       Jun 7, 2024 – Virginia Beach, VA

·       Jun 8, 2024 – Washington, DC

·       Jun 12, 2024 – Bridgeport, CT

·       Jun 13, 2024 – Bloomfield, CT

·       Jun 14, 2024 – Queens, NY

·       June 15. 2024 – Easton, PA

·       Jun 19, 2024 – Chicago, IL

·       Jun 20, 2024- Detroit, MI

·       Jun 21, 2024 – Columbus, OH

·       Jun 22, 2024 – Indianapolis, IN

·       Jun 27, 2024- St Louis, MO

·       Jun 29, 2024 – Atlanta, GA

Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a Gospel legend who for four decades has scored gospel hits, won Stellar Awards and earned multiple Grammy nominations. The dynamic artist has also garnered crossover success and appeared on Broadway. A vocal powerhouse, Vanessa Bell Armstrong has managed to bridge the gap between “old school” Gospel and contemporary music.

Shanachie Entertainment is pleased to release, “Today,” the first single from her forthcoming album Today, scheduled for release on June 21, 2024. Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s highly-anticipated new and fourteenth album (not including compilations), is her first in more than a decade.

It captures all facets of Vanessa’s artistry, ranging from classic Gospel song to praise and worship and inspirational message music. “This new album is so special to me because it’s a long time coming,” confides Vanessa. “God allowed me to finish it just before my father passed and went to heaven. I dedicate this album to him.”

“Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a Gospel icon,” notes Shanachie General Manager Randall Grass, “and new music from her will be welcomed by her legions of fans as well as a new generation. We are so very proud to be bringing her new music to the world!”

“‘Today’ is a real pick me up song that makes you forget about your troubles and worries. It makes you give thanks just to be alive. It’s a reminder that life is all that you make it and that there is no need to worry because God has everything under control. All you have do is just smile and be happy.” “Today” was written by Tony Jones, Walter W. Millsap III, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Teak and produced by Millsap III and Teak.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong, a native of Detroit, MI, first broke through in 1983 with the Gospel hit “Peace Be Still” and the album of the same name. It was followed by such memorable hits as “You Bring Out The Best In Me” and “Press On.” In the late 80s, she appeared in the Broadway play Don’t Get God Started and the Oprah Winfrey production The Women of Brewster Place.

She further enjoyed mainstream success as the heavenly voice singing the theme song for the popular NBC sitcom Amen, starring Sherman Hemsley and Anna Marie Horsford, among others. A seven-time Grammy nominee and a Stellar Award and Soul Train Award winner, Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s reemergence is a welcome return of one of Gospel’s greatest voices.

“The Humble Cottage by the Sea,” the latest single by Eddy Mann (out on May 1st), masterfully blends folk pop elements with a deeply spiritual narrative, creating a touching exploration of faith and humility. The song tells a poignant story set against the backdrop of a modest fisherman’s hut, where profound miracles unfold, not through grandeur but through simplicity and faith.

Mann’s composition is both uplifting and contemplative, featuring a lively, uptempo rhythm that contrasts effectively with the serious undertones of the lyrics. The instrumentation is rich yet unobtrusive, creating an acoustic ambiance that supports the storytelling without overshadowing the lyrics. This balance allows the listener to engage fully with the narrative while enjoying the harmonic and melodic
interplay of guitar, percussion, and possibly a subtle use of strings.

Lyrically, Mann excels at painting a vivid picture of the scene. The repetition of “In the humble cottage by the sea” acts as an anchor, drawing the listener deeper into the narrative with each refrain. This technique not only emphasizes the setting but also mirrors the cyclical nature of hope and despair faced by the characters within the song. The imagery of Jesus performing a miracle, providing not just spiritual but
physical nourishment, taps into the universal themes of divine intervention and the power of faith.

The song’s message is a reminder that grandeur is not a prerequisite for grace, a notion that resonates in a world often caught up in materialism. The portrayal of Jesus as a figure “wandering around your room” and waiting to be gracious is comforting and inclusive, suggesting a personalized relationship with the divine that is accessible to all, regardless of one’s circumstances.

In conclusion, “The Humble Cottage by the Sea” is a well-crafted song that combines the storytelling traditions of folk music with the accessibility of pop, making it a compelling listen. Its message of hope
and faith in the face of adversity is universally appealing, making it a standout track in Eddy Mann’s discography.  It is the first single from his June album release, “Turn Up the Divine.”

If you’re interested in further exploring themes of spiritual journey and hope in music, I can create a the med playlist for you. Also, for a deeper dive into similar music, I recommend the cult album “Salt of the Earth” by The Soul Searchers—a poignant exploration of faith and humanity through a blend of gospel and R&B.

Here’s a themed playlist inspired by “The Humble Cottage by the Sea,” featuring songs that explore themes of hope, spirituality, and resilience in both subtle and overt ways:

1. **Leon Bridges – “River”**
2. **Van Morrison – “Into the Mystic”**
3. **Eddy Mann – “The Humble Cottage by the Sea”**
4. **Mumford & Sons – “Awake My Soul”**
5. **Tracy Chapman – “Change”**
6. **Nick Drake – “From the Morning”**
7. **Cat Stevens – “Morning Has Broken”**
8. **Bob Dylan – “Ring Them Bells”**
9. **Aretha Franklin – “I Say a Little Prayer”**
10. **The Byrds – “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a
Season)”**
11. **Alison Krauss – “Down to the River to Pray”**
12. **Sufjan Stevens – “Should Have Known Better”**
13. **Johnny Cash – “Redemption Day”**
14. **Laura Marling – “Hope in the Air”**
15. **Simon & Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water”**
16. **Indigo Girls – “Closer to Fine”**
17. **The Staple Singers – “I’ll Take You There”**
18. **Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come”**
19. **Bruce Springsteen – “The Rising”**
20. **Josh Garrels – “Farther Along”**

This playlist blends classic and contemporary artists across genres like folk, soul, and rock, each song resonating with the spiritual and reflective tone you enjoyed in “The Humble Cottage by the Sea.” Enjoy
the music and the journey it takes you on!

–James Duvall