Curb | Word Entertainment band Big Daddy Weave is gearing up to hit the road this fall. The ‘Heaven Changes Everything Tour’ will also feature chart-topping singer/songwriter Tasha Layton and rising star Hannah Kerr. The tour is set to kick off on September 20th and run through November 5th. A pre-sale is now underway using the code “HEAVEN.”
Gospel music icons and ASCAP’s Christian Songwriters of the Century Bill & Gloria Gaither have been writing masterpieces since they met over 60 years ago. Their songs have been recorded by countless performers, inspiring people around the world.
Now, award-winning artists including Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire, CeCe Winans, Hillary Scott, Alabama, Lee Ann Womack, and more have created an incomparable album of timeless hits honoring the Gaither legacy with signature reimaginings of their favorite songs: Gaither Tribute, Honoring the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither, out August 25 via Gaither Music Group (distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music).
Steve Moore, who executive produced the all-star recording alongside Clarence Spalding, says, “This musical tribute to Bill and Gloria Gaither, two of Gospel music’s most enduring legends, by some of country music‘s legendary talents has been an unbelievable joy and honor for me to be involved with! The newly-inspired interpretations and production by Tony Brown have given these timeless Christian classics an amazing new life that will touch and retouch people’s hearts all over the world.”
“This recording is a special one for all involved,” says Paul Sizelove, president of Gaither Music Group. “Each of these artists selected a song from Bill and Gloria’s renowned catalog and created new renditions of these classics. Tony [Brown] worked with them to create a collection that truly represents the heart and style of each of these talented artists. We are so proud of the art they have created, and what an honor to the Gaither legacy to have these heartfelt recordings from these highly-respected performers.”
The album’s debut track, Ronnie Dunn’s take on “Because He Lives,” was released Friday, May 26. Alabama’s rendition of “Jesus and John Wayne,” featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, was released on June 23. Josh Turner put his spin on “Going Home,” which became available on July 14.
The collaborations of Bill and Gloria have resulted in more than 700 popular gospel songs, including the hymnal standards “Because He Lives” and “He Touched Me.” They have collectively garnered eight GRAMMY Awards and more than a dozen nominations; and they have received more than two dozen Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards, earning the title “Songwriter of the Year” eight times.
Bill and Gloria were the first musical artists to be inducted into the Christian Booksellers Association’s Hall of Honor, and they recorded the first inspirational album to achieve gold status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Bill and Gloria were named Songwriters of the Century by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and they were honored by the Indiana Historical Society in 2006 with the Living Legend Award. The couple are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In the early ‘80s Bill founded the Gaither Vocal Band, a group that has raised the bar for gospel quartets and touched audiences all over the world for more than 30 years. Together the couple has eagerly shared their stage and helped define the careers of countless young artists.
In 1991, Bill gathered the Vocal Band together with a few of his gospel music heroes to record a song. That recording marked the birth of Gaither Music Group’s Homecoming Video Series, which has grown to more than 150 titles strong.
Gaither Music Group has sold over 40 million DVDs and CDs, and 130 of the Gaither Homecoming videos have achieved precious metal status by the RIAA, with 10 certified multi-platinum, 60 certified platinum and 60 certified gold.
With performances in world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Sydney Opera House, the award-winning Homecoming Series airs weekly on television networks all over North America and Europe; and the Homecoming concert tour celebrates more than 25 years of live events that bring gospel music to major arenas around the world.
Gaither Tribute Track Listing:
1. Jesus and John Wayne – Alabama featuring The Oak Ridge Boys
2. He Touched Me / Something Beautiful – Reba & Susie McEntire with Sonya & Becky Isaacs
3. Going Home – Josh Turner
4. It Won’t Rain Always – Jamey Johnson featuring Alison Krauss on strings
5. Because He Lives – Ronnie Dunn
6. I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen – Ronnie Milsap
7. Gentle Shepherd – Lee Ann Womack
8. I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary – The SteelDrivers
9. There’s Something About That Name – Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
10. The Center of My Joy – CeCe Winans
Three-time GRAMMY nominee Danny Gokey announced this week plans for a fall tour. The Stay Strong tour, featuring Georgia-born singer/songwriter Austin French and new artist Natalie Lane, is slated to kick off September 21 and run through November 19.
“These uplifting nights will feature many of your favorite songs, as well as some fresh tunes, too,” Gokey shared in the tour announcement.
Pre-sale tickets for this 26-date tour go on sale on Friday, July 28th at 10 am local time.
Made New, the second full-length studio recording from acclaimed singer/songwriter Justin Gambino, is set to release August 25. Tracing his prodigal years and the abounding grace and mercy Gambino embraced when he finally returned to the Father, Made New was produced by Nashville-based session player and producer Walter Halliwell.
An autobiographical collection of emotive pop anthems and vulnerable ballads, Made New features 13 selections all written or co-penned by Gambino. Lead single “Fighting On My Behalf,” a percolating, synth-infused pop track available on digital platforms July 28, is Gambino’s personal testimony to God’s steadfast love and care.
“As an artist who desires to reach and encourage people in their own journey, it can be quite exhausting out on the road,” he says of the inspiration behind “Fighting On My Behalf.” “Touring will always come with opposition and setbacks, but it’s so important to press on and remember Who goes before me. Exodus 14:14 says, ‘The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’
At a time in my life when I was facing schedule changes, cancelled events and the loss of income, I needed to remind myself to be still and take heart that God was fighting for me.”
Additional highlights of Made New include “Mercy,” a modern psalm of gratitude available August 11 upon pre-order of the album; the poignant “A Father’s Heart,” a simple plea for God’s revelation amidst struggle and unbelief; “Bring Me Home,” the encapsulation of Gambino’s prodigal journey; and the album’s buoyant folk-rock opener, “Courage.”
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“’Courage’ was inspired by all the people who have encouraged me on this journey, and I hope it encourages them in return,” Gambino shares. “The only way I can continue each day is to look to the One who breathes His very breath into my lungs. He keeps me from letting go or losing hope. My prayer for this song is that it will be an anthem for those who need that reminder as well.”
Gambino is showcasing selections from the forthcoming recording during his “Made New” headlining tour, which kicked off earlier this week in Vernon, Texas. The multi-city Southwest and Pacific Northwest outing is slated to stop in Carlsbad, New Mexico; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Yreka, California; and Vantage, Washington, among other cities this summer and fall.
GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter, producer and critically-acclaimed artist Brooke Ligertwood announces the release of a new worship album this fall. Eight is slated to release on October 20th. “Who’s ready to turn the page?,” Ligertwood shared during the album announcement. Stay tuned for more details soon.
Brooke debuted her live solo album, Seven, in February 2022. Recorded live in Nashville, Tenn., Seven featured a band composed of gifted musicians from the breadth of the modern worship movement (Hillsong, Bethel, Vineyard, Elevation), a 30-piece choir, and a collection of stunning new prayer-soaked songs written and arranged in line with Ligertwood’s singular vision with Jesus at the center.
Following the release of 4 new singles on the playlist including Childlike CiCi, Wande, Limoblaze, and more, Reach Records follows up a third week with three further singles from DKG KIE, Jaye Newton, Richdanfamous, and Lecrae: “Back Home” with DKG KIE and Lecrae, Blessings from Jaye Newton and Richdanfamous, and Extra from Lecrae.
This is the third of four consecutive Wednesdays that Reach Records is releasing new singles for this year’s Summer 23 Playlist! Stay in the loop on what new singles are dropping weekly every Monday on Reach Records socials.
“Extra” is a seemingly lighthearted yet topically introspective single produced by Juberlee. Lecrae kicks off the third week of the playlist with this high-energy west coast bop speaking to his upbringing on the west coast and how the culture influenced him.
“Back Home” is heavily inspired by Detroit rap seeing DKG KIE team up with Lecrae for the first time to talk about the meaning of home. DKG, short for “Demon Killer Gang,” is based in Detroit and known for owning the Detroit style, marked by a more aggressive tone and honest intellect, in the Christian Hip Hop space.
Opening with familiar gospel organs and quickly transitioning into unapologetic raps from DKG and Lecrae, this record stands out from the rest on this year’s Summer Playlist.
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“Blessings” is a hard-hitting, worshipful hip-hop record featuring Jaye Newton and Richdanfamous that first hit the world via Tik Tok, going viral almost instantly and garnering over 1 Million views. You can see that video. Marketing the first collaboration between the two Atlanta-based artists, you can hear their devotion to God in the lyrics.
Both previously being secular artists and getting saved recently, this record came to life out of divine direction and is here for the world to enjoy.
You can learn more about DKG KIE in his episode on the 116 Life hosted by Lasanna “Ace” Harris and Dre Hunter from Reach Records A&R additionally, Jaye Newton and Richdanfamous joined guest host Meah Evans on a separate episode of the 116 Life to talk about their new record
Singer-songwriter Matthew Hawk releases his latest single, Forever, to all platforms and various radio formats.
“This song makes me happy.” These are the exact words from the first few people who heard this song, including the backup singer. I bet it makes you happy, too.
It’s ironic, because this song was written during a time of deep sadness. This song came out of a prayer during a very dark time. The Bible tells us to be thankful—and Hawk heard God encouraging him to give God praise. “Here I am with a grateful heart / I bow down to worship you, Lord/ And I – I’ll love you forever…”
In his head, Matthew Hawk heard a slower, melancholic, more emotional version musically, and yet, as he played it on the guitar for the first time, his guitar seemed to have a mind of its own.
The sound created is Joy. And it’s what this song brings. Add in tight harmonies, banjo, and mandolin to the classic lineup of drums, guitars, and keys, FOREVER is a song that lifts your spirit and makes you want to praise Jesus with a skip in your step and a smile on your face. It’s a song that reaches all generations.
Hawk appeared playing guitar and/or singing on films such as Pitch Perfect 3, The Change Up, Boy Erased, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Come Sunday, A Question of Faith, and the television shows, The Vampire Diaries, The Baker and the Beauty, American Soul, and Atlanta Liveamong others. He also doubled in multiple films for famous actors Jason Bateman, Adam Sandler, Jon Hamm, Ed Helms, Mel Gibson, Theo James, and many more, flew the Gemini 8 in the film First Man, and doubled for Finnick in the Hunger Games Trilogy.
But his greatest film accomplishment was probably saving Jennifer Lawrence’s life (true story! She thought tuna casserole was Mac and cheese.)
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Hawk was nominated for three Native American Music Awards and his music video, Coming Home, won an award at the Emerald Coast Film Festival.
Matthew Hawk is a songwriter who can’t help but to praise the King. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than drawing people into the presence of God, but it’s more than just leading worship on Sunday mornings. It’s a deep desire to write songs for His glory–songs that speak and touch and heal. Songs that draw people to the Father. Songs that are alive and full of His presence and purpose. Songs that meet people in their brokenness and journeys with them to Jesus,” says Hawk.
Forever is the latest single from Matthew Hawk’s upcoming album, Sing for the King, available August 28th.
This week, Tiffany Hudson releases the NYC Sessions video for “Break The Bottle.” The track debuted as a track from her solo debut album Hidden Here (Elevation Worship Records).
The album features special guest appearances from worship leaders Steffany Gretzinger, Mitch Wong, and Joe L Barnes and is produced by Josh Holiday, Bubele Booi, and Jason Ingram. Hudson is an award-winning songwriter (“Graves Into Gardens,” “Wait On You,” “Never Lost,” among others), a member of the GRAMMY Award-winning group Elevation Worship, and a worship leader at Elevation Church.
She will also be leading with Elevation Worship on their Elevation Nights Tour with Pastor Steven Furtick this summer and fall
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This week, nine-time GRAMMY Award nominee and Curb | Word Entertainment artist Natalie Grant shared the exciting announcement that a new project will be released this fall. Seasons is due Oct 6. Grant today has shared the first two already-released tracks from the project – “You Will Be Found” feat. Cory Asbury and “We Will Stand” feat. Tauren Wells, Jekalyn Carr & CAIN.
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The human mind has always been fascinating to me. The way it works and how it processes things or events is yet to be fully understood.
The most outstanding thing is how no two minds are precisely the same. While there are similarities, there are also stark differences.
Growing up, I used to think that the mind was situated in the chest region, possibly close to the heart, because of the immense power I had come to know that the mind possessed. But as I became more mature, I learnt that it is situated in the brain.
As unique as every human mind is, so is every woman; different in body size, skin tone, exposure, capabilities, intellect and interests, yet still amazingly incredible. The strength a woman possesses cannot be adequately quantified with the use of words. It is best observed, absorbed and taken in. It can be likened to a magnificent work of art that always leaves you in awe.
Is it the way she brings life into the world? Just the other day, we were told about one of our workers who fainted as she witnessed the vaginal delivery of a woman in the labor ward for the first time. Whether vaginal delivery or via caesarean section, it takes great strength to go through childbirth.
Or is it her multitasking ability? She can be a career woman, an entrepreneur, a home keeper, a great mother and a dutiful wife all at the same time. Little wonder, she accomplishes whatever she sets her mind on.
She is soft and delicate but this should not be viewed as a weakness. It just means she has this strength that shouldn’t be underestimated. It might take some time to get through the rock, but like water, she always finds her way. She is exceptionally determined about everything and this sustains her. Even when she tires, she finds the means to be refreshed and gets back up.
Another great power of a woman is her intuition. She often always knows when something will be right or wrong. The world doesn’t always play fair to her and this might be why she was blessed with this incredible intuitive power. Could this be an evolutionary survival instinct? A woman who does not ignore her intuition is wise. It prevents her from being easily manipulated and it often keeps her from harm.
A woman is elastic. There is no telling what she can endure and what she cannot. She can move to the ends of the earth if she has to. She is adaptable, creative and ingenious. But like every elastic, she has an elastic limit and a breaking point and you do not want to be on the wrong side of her fury. If you have doubts, watching Tyler Perry’s “Diary of A Mad Black Woman” should be proof enough.
A woman’s strength isn’t something to be feared, but to be encouraged. Over time, she has been put down and relegated to the bottom but times are changing.
Everyone is coming to the realization that the woman is a valuable asset to society. She has more opportunities for growth and development. Unlike in the past, she is more visible and her voice is now louder. She knows her rights and demands to be treated fairly.
The strength of every woman is as unique as every mind. It is non-exhaustive and this piece cannot fully capture all it encompasses. But one thing that remains common to every woman is that her strength lies in fully embracing her femininity, recognizing its purpose and being that which she has been called to be.
This calling is different for every woman but there’s no limit to what she can attain once she has found her path. The woman is on a journey, and this strength that she has been blessed with will always enable her to thrive.
