This Week's News

There is a sense of sharing that emanates through the Baker Pasma Families. For over twenty years, they have shared their friendships, their love of their Lord, and a desire to reach out and touch the lost with the music that pours from their 19 collective souls. One might even imagine that a group that numbers 19 members, able to travel and share the gospel, must know some secret that everyone might learn from.

That simple answer shines through in their latest single, “I Believe” from the CD “Shine the Light” as performed by Hailey and Taylor Pasma and Courtney and Arielle Baker. "I Believe" was released to radio on Family Music Group Compilation Volume 44, Track 6. Solid Gospel radio is now adding the song to its regular rotation reaching listeners in 88 markets around the U.S.

“The world emphasizes money, looks and power but the only thing that ultimately matters in the end is belief in Jesus and His Word,” Taylor said. “This song represents our testimony, saying that we with our parents believe the promises of God are ‘yes and amen’ through Christ.”

"All through time, people have lived expecting the promises of God to be fulfilled," Arielle said. “Abraham waited for the day when he would have a son as God promised,” she said. “Israel was promised the Messiah would come. All of these promises were fulfilled. Today we also live under the promise of the return of Jesus,” she said. “This promise is also ‘Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us’ (II Cor. 1:20b).”

Randal Baker says as he listens to the song a short quiet interlude hits him before the final chorus that reminds him of the short time until the big finale when the Lord returns to take us home with Him. “The only thing that really matters is whether you too can say ‘I Believe,’” he said.

Youth and adults alike will be able to see the group perform this song and 16 others in a new 17-song DVD "Live At Pine Grove" planned for release Oct. 1. The live project was filmed at the “Tent Church” (Pine Grove) in their home state of Michigan He said the families were invited to return three years in a row receiving the second highest record attendance of over 1,000 for the filming. The high definition DVD, produced by Moody Productions, will be available at http://www.bakerpasma.com beginning Oct. 1.

The Apostolic Boys from Dallas, TX have released their second song to radio from their Truth Is Marching On project. The song "For the Sake of the Blood" written by the group's tenor singer, Jared Pace, was recently sent out to radio by DJ Man Promotions.

Chad Hayes of SGM Radio in his CD review of the song said "This song was a powerful piece of songwritting". The song is a beautiful ballad with a pretty melody and the group sings it with a lot of feeling. DJ Man Promotions calls it a new powerful release and a must for DJ's playlist.

Joel Pace lead singer and manager for the group says, "This song is always a favorite when we sing it at concerts, Jared did a wonderful job writing this song, those that listen to it will surely be blessed. When you see how important the blood is to our salvation from the first sacrifice in the Old Testament to the cross of Calvary, it's no doubt, For the Sake of the Blood was one of the main reasons why Jesus died. Two thousand years since the blood touched the ground, and we can still rejoice in the cleansing we have found. Thank God for the cleansing power of the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ."

Morning Star recording artist, Cheryl Jackson is acting again! She is playing the role of "Juanita" in the hilarious comedy "Dearly Departed" starring Joyce DeWitt star of the hit show "Three's Company". The play is now under way at the Nashville Dinner Theater. Cheryl says, "Joyce DeWitt is a delight to work with. She is very down to earth and a wonderful talented lady. We are very blessed to have her in Nashville sharing her talents and charm on stage". Joyce told Cheryl that she keeps her CD in her car all the time and loves her song "Be Still" which happens to be Cheryl's latest single! "Be Still" is doing well on radio and entered the Singing News chart in the October issue. To get more information about the dates and tickets availability of "Dearly Departed" go to http://www.nashvilledinnertheater.com

The first annual Gospel Quartet Competition was held Sunday afternoon at the prestigious Paramount Theater in Anderson, Indiana. A crowd of over 250 watches, as The Minister's Quartet,based out of Muncie, Indiana were chosen as the winners. Five finalists competed for a recording package at Studio D in Summitville,IN. Those competing were: Majestic Sounds, Greater Joy, The Sonshine Quartet, The Eastside Quartet, and The Minister's Quartet.

This event was sponsored by radio station WQME out of Anderson, Indiana, and was organized by Sherri Contos. The event was emceed by Jim Rogers. For a complete recap of the day's events go to: http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_272215046.html?start:int=15

On September 16, 2008, the Canaan Records’ vault (http://www.canaanrecords.com/vault) was officially opened with the release of A Classic Canaan Christmas. This previously released LP features classic Christmas tunes recorded by Southern Gospel greats such as The Rex Nelon Singers, The Florida Boys, The Lewis Family, The Happy Goodmans, The Inspirations and others. A Classic Canaan Christmas can be purchased through iTunes. Access to purchase and view A Classic Canaan Christmas through iTunes can be found by logging on to http://www.canaanrecords.com/vault. Coming Soon titles and a complete release schedule of upcoming old classics from Canaan Records can also be accessed from Canaan’s vault page, as well as additional iTunes assistance.

During the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY, Canaan Records adorned their booth with Christmas decorations and invited fans to participate in a trivia quiz by naming artists featured on A Classic Canaan Christmas. Although ineligible to win, Les Butler of Singing News Magazine was the only individual to get all ten artists correctly matched to their Christmas song. A special grand prize drawing took place where Gregg Smith of Palestine, IN was awarded a Crosley 4-in-1 Turntable system from Canaan. Limited Edition Canaan Christmas ornaments were given to DJs and registrants during the week. Each ornament was signed by members of the Hoppers, Mike & Kelly Bowling and the Mike LeFevre Quartet. These same ornaments will be featured in a store special on Canaan’s website starting November 2008. Pictures from the entire week of NQC are posted on Canaan Record’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canaan-Records/25884114199) and on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilyhiginbotham). Fans can become a Facebook Friend of Canaan and receive exclusive updates on release schedules, as well as audio clips, pictures and more from your favorite Canaan artists. Mike & Kelly Bowling, the Mike LeFevre Quartet and the Hoppers also have their own Facebook pages with specific information about their groups.

Randy Lewis, current tenor singer for the Calvarymen Qt. and former tenor for the Toney Brothers, was released from the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery for a perforated bowel. Randy was taken to the E.R. on Fri. Sept.19th after experiencing severe abdominal pain. He spent three days in the intensive care unit, and then three days in a sub-acute unit. He is at home recovering, and will have a long road ahead of him. Randy, and his family appreciate all of your prayer's. Any well-wishes may be e-mailed to him at

Popular multi-award winning recording artist, Ivan Parker adds more honors to his long list of accolades and awards. The Gaither Music CD/DVD release, The Best Of Ivan Parker, audio recording peaked at the Number One slot on Billboard Magazine’s Southern Gospel Chart, and also sat at the Number Nine position on the CCM Chart. Additionally, the DVD peaked at the Number Two position on the Billboard Music Video Chart, above numerous popular secular recording artists. On September 24, Gaither Management presented Parker with a plaque in recognition of this success. "I am so incredibly excited to receive such a high rating from the prestigious Billboard Magazine,” Parker stated at the presentation. “What an honor to see Southern Gospel rise to the top of the charts with all the other types of music."

The announcement came on the heels of Parker’s receipt of the Fan Award for Favorite Soloist, awarded by subscribers of The Singing News Magazine, one of Southern Gospel Music’s leading fan and trade publication. Parker also recently received the 2008 Soloist Of The Year Diamond Award from the SGN Scoops Magazine. Both awards were presented to the popular male vocalist during the 2008 National Quartet Convention, which took place earlier this month in Louisville, KY.

The Best of Ivan Parker DVD and CD is available at retail outlets nationwide and online at http://www.ivanparker.com. To obtain a complete listing of music available from Ivan Parker, as well as the singer’s complete touring schedule, visit http://www.ivanparker.com

Allison Lynn is excited to announce the release of her new self-penned single, "Do You Wanna Be My Neighbor in Gloryland.".

"Do You Wanna Be My Neighbor in Gloryland" is the highly anticipated follow-up radio release from Allison Lynn, and one of three songs written by Allison on her debut CD, Real Big Fan.

Allison officially launched the single at this year's National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY, with a single release party. The event was open to the public, and also attracted the attention of DJs from across the US and Canada. Allison shared, "This song celebrates inviting people to be our neighbors when we get to Heaven, so in addition to the regular festivities of our party, we also took prayer requests for neighbors and friends across the country and around the world."

"Do You Wanna Be My Neighbor in Gloryland" has been attracting excitement since Allison first recorded it last year. "This song is a ray of sunshine with Allison's vocal delivery being the starburst," remarks Real Big Fan producer Aaron Minick. "It's nice to hear something fresh and new for the gospel market."

When asked about her latest release, Allison commented, "It's been a thrill to sing this song in concerts and hear people singing along. I'm excited to get the song to radio, and I pray it will bless many hearts."

For more information about Allison Lynn and Real Big Fan, please visit http://www.allisonlynn.com .

Produced by Mac Powell of Third Day, Beloved's "Love God, Serve Others," the first single from the new album Wake The World, has found it's way into the Top 40 on the Christian Radio Weekly charts. The group also landed inside the Top 40 in the Singing News charts with the song "Sometimes" in 2004 . This makes Top 40 songs in both Southern Gospel and the Contemporary Christian market.

"Wake The World" was released on August 19th and is distributed by Infinity/South Central Distribution. The release is available at your local Christian Bookstore.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Popular Southern Gospel artist The Freemans now have a brand new DVD available to fans of one of Southern Gospel’s favorite classic group – The Hinsons – on their website and at concerts.

The DVD – titled Lights, Camera, Hinsons – features Chris Freeman during her time with the Hinsons. The DVD features videos that were taken from the television show PTL Club from the years 1979 and 1980.

“We are so excited to be carrying this new DVD. Some of my favorite memories of being in Gospel music come from my time with the Hinsons,” mentioned Chris Freeman. “I know that fans will love seeing these videos all over again.”

The Freemans have been carrying older Hinson music on their website for some time, but this is the first DVD of older Hinson material that the group has to offer their fans.

The Freemans are continuing to tour in support of their latest recording – Eyes On the Prize – which earned the group their first SGN Music Award earlier this year. The family group took home the award for Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year for their record-breaking #1 hit – “He Chose Me”. The song was written by Rick Hendrix and Angie Hoskins Aldridge.

Later this year, The Freemans will tour in support of their brand new Christmas recording – Christmas Memories.

Fans are encouraged to be listening for The Freemans’ newest single, “Three Rugged Crosses”. The song is the follow-up to the group’s #1 hit “He Chose Me”, ministry driven “I Need a Drink”, and Top 5 hit “Cast In the Sea”.

The newly designed Freemans website is now up and running. Check out more information on the group’s current website at http://www.the-freemans.com. You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07.

About The Freemans
The Freemans are one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed groups. History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry. Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans’ experience spans 30+ years. Now in their 20th year of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

STERRETT, Alab. – Wendy Word + forgiven have just renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The popular duo has signed on for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. Wendy Word + forgiven will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

In addition, Wendy Word + forgiven will receive a brand new, redesigned website through the new agreement as well.

“We absolutely adore Chris and Amy and everyone at SSE,” mentioned Wendy Word. “We have come to love them and see them as a part of our family. We are honored to partner with them for another year.”

Amy Marie Unthank of SSE said, “It’s hard to believe that this will be our third year to work with Wendy Word + forgiven. They have such great hearts for ministry, and we have been so excited to see their ministry grow over the last couple of years. We know this year will be another fantastic year for Tony & Wendy!”

Wendy Word + forgiven is preparing to go in the studio and begin work on the group’s third recording. The new album is being produced by Steve Allen (Vestal Goodman, Gold City, Gaither Vocal Band) of Square One Studio.

The up and coming group’s latest radio single, “Lowest Time”, has been flying up the charts. The song is currently at #19 on the PowerSource Magazine Southern Gospel Top 100 and peaked at #23 on Christian Voice Magazine’s Top 100 chart. The song also became the group’s first Singing News Top 80 hit – peaking at #65. Also – the song peaked at #43 on the Gospel Music News Top 100.

More information on Wendy Word + forgiven can be found at http://wendywordandforgiven.com.

Fans are encouraged to stop by Wendy Word + forgiven’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/wendywordforgiven/.

About Wendy Word + Forgiven
Wendy Word + Forgiven is a husband and wife team based out of Sterrett, Alabama. Wendy Word, joined by her husband Tony, travels all across the United States ministering the Gospel through their brand of country-tinged Southern Gospel music. The duo’s current release is entitled Heartfelt and features the hit singles “That’s Enough”, “I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen”, and “Lowest Time”.

About Southern Spin Entertainment
Southern Spin Entertainment is one of three divisions of the 501c non-profit organization SSE Group, Inc. Southern Spin Entertainment focuses on publicity and marketing for Southern and Country Gospel artists. The company currently represents artists, organizations, industries, and companies in all genres of Gospel music.

For more information on Southern Spin Entertainment, go to http://www.southernspin.com .

SSE Group’s three divisions include Southern Spin Entertainment, SSE Design Group, and Southern Spin Radio. SSE Group currently owns and operates Glorious Creations and TheBridgeLive.net.

For more information on SSE Group, go to http://www.ssegrouponline.com.

SUMMERSVILLE, W. Va. – West Viriginia’s Heartland Harmony are proud to announce the release of their latest project – Timeless. Timeless is the debut release for Heartland Harmony with Willowood Productions.

Jeff Board of Heartland Harmony said, “We are so excited to finally have this new album in our hands. We can’t wait for our fans to hear this new project! We are so proud of it!”

The group recorded vocals and tracks at Harvest Gospel Recording Studios in Huntington, West Virginia. Harvest Gospel Recording Studios is owned and operated by Mark Hale.

Timeless was produced by John Darin Rowsey. Timeless also features prized studio musicians like Craig Noble, Mark Stevens, Jeremy Brown, and Dale Scragg. The album was engineered and mixed by Mark Hale and Dale Scragg.

The album features new songs from Rowsey as well as some new recordings that various group members have had their hand in writing. Also included on Timeless is “On the Other Side (JR’s Song)”. The song was inspired by tenor Randy Toler’s uncle who died in the West Virginia mining tragedy in early 2006.

More information on Heartland Harmony and purchasing information can be found at http://www.heartlandharmony.net.

Fans are encouraged to visit Heartland Harmony’s brand new MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/heartlandharmony/ .

About Heartland Harmony
Based out of Summersville, West Virginia, Heartland Harmony is Southern Gospel’s next great quartet. Group members include Jeff Board, Randy Toler, Garth Holcomb, and Ben Simpkin. The group currently has three recordings to its credit – Foundation, Heritage, and their newest release Timeless – of which the latter was released through Willowood Productions.