10-18-07
SCOOP- Rod Burton Earns Nominations In 2007 Eddie Awards
HOMEWOOD, IL – Morning Star Records recording artist Rod Burton has received two nominations in the Eddie Crook Company’s inaugural Eddie Awards.
Rod received nominations in the categories of Newcomer of the Year and Male Soloist of the Year.
“It is such an honor to be recognized and nominated in these categories, mentioned Rod Burton. “Being a new member of the Eddie Crook family makes these nominations even more special to me.”
The Eddie Awards were designed to recognize outstanding achievement for artists, ministries and writers associated with the Eddie Crook Company, as well as support personnel and suppliers to the Company.
Rod said, “There are so many talented folks that work with ECC from both the management and artist standpoint. It's an honor to be associated with such good people. It is very humbling to be recognized in a field of talent like this.”
This year’s ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 29,2007 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as part of the Christmas in the Smokies annual event. The program will be produced by the creative staff of the Eddie Crook Company, under the leadership of Dave Wilcox, Senior Vice President. All award winners are voted upon by the Eddie Crook Company roster of artists.
Rod Burton released his debut Morning Star Records release earlier this year. The album, titled By His Grace, features the hit single “He Made Something Out of Me.” The song was shipped to radio this past June with the Eddie Crook Company.
10-17-07
SCOOP- Chapel Valley Studio Announces Coming Union
Chapel Valley Studio is proud to announce the forthcoming union with DJ Man Promotions. Chapel Valley Studio and its owners recently came to an agreement with Phillip Emory, owner of DJ Man Promotions. The fellowship will include a new radio compilation disc from DJ Man promotions, and radio promotions from Phillip Emory for the clients at Chapel Valley Studio. This new disc will be exclusive to Chapel Valley Studio and will be in effect February 2008. This alliance is one of several by Chapel Valley Studio in their quest to better facilitate the growing needs of their large client roster. DJ Man Promotions has been a driving force in radio promotions and radio compilations for some time. Chapel Valley Studio is one of southern gospel music’s fastest growing record companies. This union is sure to be one the most exciting ventures in gospel music to date.
10-17-07
SCOOP- Amazed Renews Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment
SHERMAN, Texas – Amazed has just renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The group has re-signed for another year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. The group will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.
Tamie Perkins of Amazed said, “Amy & Chris are like family to us at this point. We love working with them and appreciate everything they have done for us.”
Cathie Marsh of Amazed said, “We sing their praises to everyone we come in contact with. This company is the real deal!”
“Family is the best word to describe how we feel about the girls of Amazed,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of Southern Spin Entertainment. We are so excited about the work that God is doing through their ministry!”
Amazed had a banner year in 2007. The popular duo was awarded their second Duet of the Year this past September in the 2007 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards. Also, Amazed received a nomination for Female Group of the Year in the 2007 SGN Music Awards. The duo was also nominated for Favorite Duet in the 2007 SGM FanFair Awards.
The group recently sent out their follow-up single to “Even On Monday” – the group’s first Singing News Top 80 hit. The new single, titled “I Still Believe”, was written by critically acclaimed songwriter Stephanie Brown (Jody Brown Indian Family) and is the second single from the group’s latest recording, Just Getting Started.
Amazed’s latest recording, titled Just Getting Started, features tracks produced by Eddie Crook. Donna Beauvais (Hope’s Call) produced vocals for the album. Vocals were recorded at Square One Studios in Franklin, Tennessee and engineered by Steve Allen who has engineered projects by the Gaither Vocal Band, Vestal Goodman, Legacy Five, and many more.
Just Getting Started features original songs penned by vocal producer Donna Beauvais, Rebecca J. Peck, Twila McBride-LaBar, Stephanie Brown, Sheri LaFontaine, Lori Kelly Woods, Sandy Knight, and many more. The album’s title cut, “I’m Just Getting Started” was written by up and coming songwriters Jessica Harrison (of Hope’s Call) and Leah Lowrance.
10-15-07
SCOOP- APRIL (POTTER) HOLLEMAN RETURNS TO BOOKING AND FORMS CREATIVE VISION ENTERTAINMENT
HENDERSONVILLE, TN – April (Potter) Holleman announces her plan to continue as a booking agent after taking a short sabbatical. Effective immediately, April has formed a new company called Creative Vision Entertainment which will not only house booking, but management and personal coaching as well.
April states, “When I felt led to take a break from booking, I did not understand. Those around me didn’t understand, including my accountant, who thought I was crazy! The agency was growing and the timing did not make sense to me. But, God said to rest and be refreshed and I had to be obedient and listen. It says in the Word that “Gods ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts”. He sees the entire picture; he sees things we cannot see. During this interim God has given me a new passion and vision and I am excited to see what He has in store for us.”
In 2002, April opened The April Potter Agency, booking such artists as The Mark Trammell Trio, Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, The Ruppes, The McRaes, etc. Prior to opening her own agency, April worked for the Harper Agency for six years booking The Martins, Karen Peck and New River, Poet Voices, Brian Free and Assurance, The Perrys and many others.
Watch for updates of Creative Vision’s artist roster in the next few weeks. For more information on Creative Vision Entertainment, visit the website at www.creativevisionentertainment.com. You may contact April at 615-822-0036 or via email at msbookingagent@aol.com.
10-15-07
SCOOP- “God’s Masterpiece” by the Marksmen is now available
Retailers across America such as Wal-Mart, Borders, Hastings Books and Music, Amazon.com and iTunes are just a few of the fine retailers carrying Rural Rhythm Records release of “God’s Masterpiece” which hit the streets Oct. 9. The award winning gospel group The Marksmen of Georgia are celebrating their 40th Anniversary (1967-2007).
“ ‘God’s Masterpiece (Everyday Worship – Songs & Scriptures)'is a powerful concept gospel album about the death, burial and resurrection as written in the Bible,” said Sam Passamano of Rural Rhythm. “Our company is so excited to bring this wonderful new approach to sharing a moving experience in music and scripture.”
This two-disc set of Audio Music and Narrated Scripture also includes a special DVD of The Marksmen performing songs from “God’s Masterpiece” and a 12-page booklet with Scripture Quotations from the King James Bible. Produced by Mark Wheeler, the album includes guest appearances by bluegrass group Mountain Heart members, Barry Abernathy on banjo and Jim Van Cleve on Fiddle.
“This is a project I have always wanted to do,” Mark said. “When it came together and I finally heard the completed version, I knew this is the project that all the years and miles that The Marksmen have traveled is for — to share His word and His music through this soul-stirring CD and DVD.”
“There is Power in the Blood” kicks off the CD with founding group member (since 1967), Earl Wheeler taking the lead vocals followed by many other standards such as the Stanley Brothers classic “Purple Robe,” “Kneel At the Cross,” “Nothing But the Blood” and many more.
“We tried to tell this blessed story with the songs that meant so much to us,” Earle said. “Some are those that have touched listeners for years and some are those that God blessed Mark and our other contributing writers to create to help us paint the picture of the most amazing story ever told.”
The title track, “God’s Masterpiece,” co-written by Mark Wheeler, reached #3 on the Christian Voice Magazine chart and the huge radio hit “Timber and Nails” went to #2 on the US Gospel News country chart and was also a chart success on the Singing News Magazine radio chart.
The Marksmen have received numerous awards and recognitions throughout their career including four-time recipient of the Country Gospel Quartet of the Year by Country Gospel Music Guild; four times as the Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA); inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame by the Texas Country Music Association; and most recently, Mark Wheeler was nominated as Favorite Male Vocalist at the Front Porch Fellowship Bluegrass Gospel Fan Awards. Group members also include Darrin Chambers, Davey Waller, and Mark Autry. The album is available for purchase at all fine music retailers via RYKO Distribution.
For more information about The Marksmen visit, www.marksmenquartet.com. For more information about the release www.RuralRhythm.com.
10-15-07
SCOOP- 2nd Generation and Southern Spin Entertainment Reach Publicity and Web Publishing Agreement
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – 2nd Generation has reached a publicity and internet promotions agreement with Southern Spin Entertainment. Through this agreement, the new group has gained unlimited access to all media outlets serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, in addition to advertising and marketing potential through this exclusive partnership. The trio will also receive a newly designed website through the agreement as well.
2nd Generation is based out of the Kansas City, Missouri area. Elaine, Brenda and Jimmy have each been involved in music ministries within their local churches but always desired to be used of God in a greater capacity. Now, these three voices have come together to continue what God has called them to do – sing and minister. 2nd Generation has appeared at churches, state fairs, Singing in the Sun, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and many other events. Their first project is titled Who Wants to Praise the Lord and features the hit singles “Hanging On Nail”, “When He Chose Me”, and their current single “Trouble Me No More.”
Amy Marie Unthank of Southern Spin Entertainment said, “We are excited about adding 2nd Generation to our family of artists. They have a great sound, but more importantly, a real heart for ministry. We can’t wait to see what the year holds for this exciting group.”
Southern Spin Entertainment is one of three divisions of the company SSE Group. The company is owned by siblings Amy Marie Unthank and Chris D. Unthank. The company currently represents artists, companies, and organizations in all genres of Gospel music – including Dove Brothers Quartet, the Freemans, the Anchormen, The Webbs (formery the Rick Webb Trio), The Imperials, SoGospelNews.com, Anthony Facello & Crossroad, Misty Freeman, the Diamond Awards, myTeamABC, the Allens, Johnny Minick, Eighth Day, the Glovers, Sharron Kay King, HisSong, the Prophets Quartet, Wendy Word + forgiven, The Pathfinders, Amazed, and many more.
The newly designed 2nd Generation website will be unveiled shortly. Until then, you can find out more information about the group on their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/2generation. The group’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/2ndgeneration.